I wish there was a way to truly test mascaras before you waste up to £20 on them, but unfortunately, it’s very rare to get a sample size. Sure you can try them on instore with basic wands but won’t give you the full effects of the mascara as you really need to use the mascara’s designed wand too. I’ve wasted so much money on mascaras over the years and I have 5 steps on how to find the best mascara. Very few brands of mascara have made it through to my holy grail list and there’s really only one that I trust enough to constantly rebuy. Of course, the key to great lashes is already having naturally good lashes so if you don’t, consider a lash serum to help your lashes grow.

So, what are my 5 steps?

1) Does it look good as a single layer of mascara?

This can be a little unfair but if it literally does nothing on the first layer to my eyelashes, then it really won’t go any further. I’m not expecting it to look incredible on the first layer, but acceptable is what I’m looking for. Clear lift, curl, and length.

2) Can it be put on top of old mascara of a different brand?

Another great test is seeing if it can revive other mascaras without upsetting it, clogging my eyelashes, or flaking off everywhere. Of course, it could be the older mascara underneath so again you can’t fully accept the results from this second test alone.

3) Can I apply more on top of it throughout the day?

There’s nothing worse than doing a quick powder whilst you’re out and about and realising you got it all over your lashes and now you’ve got a powdery grey lash. It happens and a quick fresh layer of mascara can easily fix it but only if the mascara is good enough to be applied on top of itself without flaking or breaking off.

4) Can I blow dry my eyelashes in between to make them longer?

I’m more into false lashes these days as it’s a lot of effort to make my own eyelashes look flawless, but one was I used to do this was a quick blow dry with a hairdryer so curl and push my lashes up. It really works but just be sure to not have it on a hot setting!

5) Does it run under my eyes throughout the day?

PANDA EYES ARE THE ENEMY. We’ve all been there and it’s seriously so annoying. The amount of times this has happened whilst trying new mascaras lately is unreal, how does it even past tests? If a mascara will transfer under my eyes in less than 10 minutes, there’s something wrong with the formula. Even if it is under my eyes in 5 hours! Unless I’ve been caught in the rain or crying, there’s no need for a mascara that transfers.

You might be thinking, that’s a lot of tests, I’ve never found a mascara that can pass them all? Well, I have and I’ve been using it for over 10 years and I will share it with you…

Max Factor False Lash Effect Volumising Mascara at £11.99. Thank me later!