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The best mascaras 2022: Reviews by real women
We spoke to women from all walks of life, from women in their 50s to teenagers. Here are their top-rated mascaras.
What is the best mascara? It’s almost impossible to know. Mascara ads always seem to promise the world. Lashes that are 10 times thicker. False-lash effect. Sky-high curls. Lash-multiplying formula. But most of them never truly seem to deliver on these claims.
Nobody has the time or money to test mascara after mascara. So how do we really know what works and what doesn’t?
By asking, of course.
Here at Finder, we decided to compare and compile reviews. We asked a bunch of real women who use mascara every day what is the best mascara they’ve ever used. We spoke to women from all walks of life, from women in their 50s to teenagers, from university students to lawyers.
What did we find? Well, there was one clear favourite and lots of other great products that we never even thought to try!
1. Maybelline - The Falsies
Best supermarket mascara ever. Affordable and definitely comparable to more expensive brands I’ve tried.
– Natalie
I’m a sucker for a bargain, and luckily for me Maybelline is a reliable one. Great for everyday use and not as thick or clumpy as some of the more expensive brands.
– Liz
The Falsies is really good for a defining the individual lashes. It’s a good price too.
– Clare
No clumps – just long, thick lashes.
– Rae
It makes my lashes huge without being clumpy. Also, they say that you’re meant to replace your mascara every 3 or so months due to bacteria. I love that this product is relatively inexpensive and that I can buy it whilst doing my usual weekly grocery shop.
– Alana
Using the lower lash brush because I make a mess with the normal sized one.
– Jackie
2. Tarte - Lights Camera Lashes
I really liked it because it’s a mascara you can layer without it becoming clumpy. Even if I do five coats, my lashes never turned into stuck-together blobs as they do with other mascaras.
– Mia
Tarte makes a great mascara. Depending on how thick your lashes are you can get away with one coat which is quite economical. Great for darker lashes.
– Alex M
It’s thickening yet it doesn’t clump or smudge.
– Emily M
3. Lancôme - Hypnose
Available at Lancome
Lancôme Hypnose, because it stays put!
– Marie
Lancôme Hypnose Star. It’s the best mascara for a night out or if you want a bit of the wow factor for the day. People will actually compliment you and notice the hints of glitter in your eyelashes. Guess the price doesn’t warrant wearing it everyday though!
– Shirley
Lancôme Hypnose Doll. As a short lashed Asian female, I am partial to Lancôme hypnose baby doll. I’m prone to smudging because of my lack of eyelids and tiny eyes. But it gives you epic length, especially if you layer it.
– Sally
4. MAC Cosmetics - False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara
The best mascara! Makes my eyelashes look really long and the brush separates my lashes rather than making them clump together like other mascaras.
– Aston
5. Dior - Diorshow Waterproof Backstage Mascara
Never using anything else! No running – it lasts all day and night and gives good volume.
– Katrine
7. Max Factor - Masterpiece Max
I like it because the brush spreads out my lashes, thus avoiding clumping, and it also adds volume and length which is great because I don’t need to use two! It also doesn’t crumble off so it stays on forever!
– Jessica P
9. Yves Saint Laurent - Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking
Perfect balance of length and volume, beautiful non-clogging formula.
– Steph A
10. Maybelline - Volum' Express The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara
For a ‘I’m not wearing mascara, I’m naturally pretty’ look.
– Amy
12. Rimmel - Scandaleyes Flex
I like it because it’s the only good brand that makes my lashes look amazing that I’m not allergic to. It’s hypoallergenic but not an unknown hippy brand.
– Cassilda
13. Inika - Mineral Mascara
Because it’s not stuck in the eyes of animals nor uses ingredients from exploited animals, and it looks amazing.
– Jennifer
14. L'Oreal Paris - Telescopic Mascara
It’s super dark and creates unbelievable length that gets noticed every time.
– Lauren
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