Why this is the one mascara every woman should own
Mascara is my most treasured make-up staple. In fact, going without it is a little like leaving the house without any knickers. As in: I just wouldn’t.
An eye-opening miracle, you won’t be surprised to learn that mascara is the make-up product most women ask me to recommend – yet it’s almost impossible to accurately prescribe as it’s so personal.
I like big, fat, long lashes. The bolder, the better. But to some, that would be as brazen as over-the-knee stiletto boots. Women’s eyelashes also vary greatly in length, thickness and curl. But I think I’ve finally landed on a universally flattering lash enhancer. Westman Atelier’s Eye Love You Mascara is the one that I’d recommend to any woman, any age, no matter how thick, thin or curly her eyelashes naturally are.
I know, I know, at £58 it’s expensive. But there is a valid reason for it. It is one of the first luxury ‘clean’ mascaras, free from parabens, silicones, carbon black and synthetic fragrances.
This sounds simple enough, but according to every cosmetic expert I’ve ever spoken to, creating a natural mascara that actually works is a technical feat more difficult than threading a needle without your specs.
Long-lasting, instantly curling and volumising – without looking ‘too much’ – this will make your eyes appear larger, younger, and undisputedly sexier, in the sophisticated way that wearing an immaculately tailored trouser suit and heels does.
What I particularly like about this mascara is the texture of the formulation, which coats lashes in a silky matte finish that separates and defines each individual eyelash rather than clumping them together - a pitfall to some volumising mascaras. Knowing Gucci Westman, the make-up artist behind the brand - and famous for giving celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Gywneth Paltrow their subtle, glowing complexions - this is a detail she would have fought hard for.
'I believe in organic, natural ingredients wherever possible, but as a make-up artist I am adamant about not sacrificing on performance,' she tells me. And so, for a mascara that's 96 per cent natural, to achieve a formulation that rivals any iconic mascara that currently exists. Natural or otherwise. Then, Westman Atelier's Eye Love You Mascara, is surely a triumph.
Tried & Tested: 5 best mascara's of all time
What's known as a tubular gel mascara, the clever formula is 100 per cent smudge proof and melts off easily with warm water without the need for eye make-up remover, which makes it long lasting and easy to use. Plus, the tiny brush is perfect for building the right level of volume and definition for you. A great everyday mascara.
With an hourglass-shaped brush and a collagen-fuelled formula, this cult favourite delivers thicker, longer lashes that pack all the drama, volume and curl. The clever formulation means that film-forming polymers lock curls in place, Acacia Senegal Tree extract sets volume and unique peptides condition lashes.
This mascara innovation allows you to build volume and intensity with a featherweight, flexible formula. It features exclusive ‘ribbed’ bristles loaded with whipped, super-black pigments, which create a full, fluttery and bold look, without clumping or smudging.
From the inner to outer corners, each lash can be perfectly coated with the help of this mascara's cone shaped brush. The exclusive Fibershine formula, enriched with nylon powder, provides a lifted and curved look with perfectly fanned out lashes.
Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara, £24, Estée Lauder
High temperature and high humidity resistant, this mascara contains innovative Smudge-Shield Technology that prevents lashes from smudging, flaking or wearing away throughout the day. Expect elongated, separated lashes coated in intense colour.
