Ive been stuck in a mascara rut lately. Up until now I had thought Id found my ideal mascara, an expensive, high-end number in chic packaging that Ive used for years. But recently Ive become bored by it and it doesnt seem to give me the doe-eyed stare it once did. With this in mind I started a search last week for a new, more perfect mascara.
Despite having access to a beauty cupboard bursting with versions of every brand, formula and brush design you can think of, finding a magic wand that ticks all my boxes (thickening, lengthening, long-lasting and dramatic) proved difficult. After a discussion on the ELLE beauty desk about high-street mascaras verses high end resulted in the former coming up trumps I headed in the direction of some well known value-for-money brands. We all agreed that on the whole they had the edge and as much great brush technology and formula choice as their more pricey cousins.
I decided to give the newest arrival on my desk a try - Maybellines new Pulse Perfection mascara, £14.99. Although its of the vibrating variety (a departure for me as I am yet to find one that isnt more gimmicky than it is useful) this technology really does add something else in this instance. The flexible, silicone wand studded with tiny teeth that latch on to every hair, means it doesnt clog and because its so bendy you can get to every hair, even the fine corner ones. When tested against a bare eye the results were truly incredible full, long, thick and inky black. Best of all it stayed put all day without flaking or drooping and was easy to remove with my normal make-up remover. Suffice to say Im hooked. (Click here to read our full review in ELLE Tests.)
Other favourites uncovered in my search include Masterpiece mascara, £8.99, by Max Factor a classic with a brilliant silicone brush to give you extra long lashes with no clumping, Telescopic mascara, £8.99, by LOreal Paris which imparts a slick, vinyl shine and Sexy Curves waterproof, £7.99, by Rimmel London, a water-resistant version of the original that gives you thick, curled lashes with no need for a lash curler.
Read more about ELLE's pick of the best waterproof and new mascaras in ELLE Tests now...
