The mascara masterclass: Vogue’s guide to the makeup essential

When it comes to mascara, the options are endless: thickening, lengthening, curling, nourishing, the list goes on… So, how do you know which is the best for your lashes? Vogue takes a 360° approach to make it simple, with a no-nonsense guide to the best of this makeup essential, catering for every eyelash need.

The professional favourite: Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Mascara

This is the top choice among makeup artists and those in the know. The subtle bend in the brush means you can really apply at every angle—with an arched topside to thicken and separate, while the defined underside lifts and lengthens—guaranteeing a professional finish where no lash is left uncoated.

The false-lash effect: Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara

The biggest, boldest formula for those who want to appear to be wearing false lashes; without the application hassle of fiddling around with glue and tweezers. The inky black formula lengthens and thickens each individual lash for a dramatic finish.

The all-rounder: Nars Climax Mascara

For precise thickness and length on the lashes, there’s no better tool that this ribbed bristle brush. The Lash Moisture Complex formula works as a hybrid primer and mascara, and contains whipped black pigment for instant lift and colour. From root to tip, the effect is super buildable intensity, with a malleable finish that can be as dramatic as the wearer chooses.

The bendy brush: L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Pro Volume Bendable Mascara

This ingenious mascara includes a bendable brush—inspired by a well known trick used by makeup artists backstage to bend the brush and reach every last lash. Flexible angles allow the creamy formula to coat every angle, gliding on perfectly to volumise, lengthen and define.

The Bambi length: Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

To maximise the lift-and-lengthen formula, the brush is designed to taper at the end, combining serious lengthening properties with the ability for precision. Use the thinner end of the wand to ensure full coverage—it’s especially good for getting to trickier, delicate areas such as the inner eye and lower lashes.

The clever one: Givenchy Phenomen’eyes Mascara

Achieve an amazing fanned out result with this spherical applicator, which allows for 360° application. The short stubby brush means you can get really close to the root of each lash; and the finish is long, luxurious lashes, accentuated by a lengthening formula.

The sensitive saviour: Dr Hauschka Volume Mascara

Carefully formulated using mineral pigments and super-nourishing natural ingredients, this mascara is designed for the most sensitive of skin types, looking to avoid irritation. Packed with quince extract and candelilla wax, it conditions the lashes with each wear. Apply in a zig-zag motion to create volume.

The volumiser: Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume

Packed with ingredients that condition and nourish, this mascara really delivers when it comes to boosting volume and density. It’s really creamy and brilliant for coating the full length of the lash, for a super-thick slick look.

The handbag mini: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Whether you’re travelling or not, this is the ultimate mini mascara. The smudge-proof formula on the spiral brush is perfect for the lower lashline and hard-to-reach inner eye, so you can really single out each lash for a precise application.

The #extra: Chanel Le Volume Révolution de Chanel Mascara

Designed to cover every angle possible with just one application, the intricate brush imparts colour, plumps lashes, and then builds and builds volume for a showstopping, dramatic finish

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