Six killer mascara formulas that go the distance this party season (and beyond)

I’m back! Did you miss me? If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know I’ve been away for a few weeks on a whirlwind #eurowinter trip, and the itinerary was so relentless that I didn’t have the capacity to focus on creating any features here. I certainly filled the time posting numerous stories to my IG, but as for beauty deep dives? They didn’t even get a look in - so offering up many apologies and more!
But in the interest of getting back to business, here are some of the mascara selects that I’ve been reaching for as I hurtle full throttle into the silly season, as well as one that isn’t strictly a mascara – but is most definitely mascara-adjacent.

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

Delivers: Killer Volume in a Tubing Formula

One of the first of its kind and definitely the first I personally used, this innovative tubing formula changed the game for mascara. Building volume and length in a swipe, it stays put through the day and night and removes easily with only warm water – a major bonus for those with sensitive eyes like myself. Key to building on the already considerable drama is sweeping the brush from root to tip as opposed to wiggling, with several coats delivering a serious false lash look that you can’t help but love.

Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash

Delivers: Extensions Without the Spend – or the Damage

For extreme length and lift, this mascara’s Ribbon Wrap™ technology elongates every one of your lashes for the look of extensions that won't smudge - yet washes off with water. It is the perfect choice for those that love the look of lash extensions but are put off by the cost or the associated lash damage, and the dream for after hours when you want your eye look to do the heavy lifting.

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash

Delivers: All Natural Definition

With a gentle formula and a unique dual-sided wand, this lightweight, buildable mascara lengthens, separates and lifts while taking care of your lashes. An all-clean formula, this cult-favourite mascara takes lashes beyond their limits – naturally – and the dual-sided wand catches every lash for eye-opening length and definition. Long-lasting, it also resists clumping, flaking, and smudging, and for me is the masacara I reach for on weekends and lazy days in particular.

Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes

Delivers: Dolly Look Lashes and More
A favourite with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders that delivers a beautiful fanned out lash look with major oomph, this iconic Charlotte Tilbury formula gives you root-to-tip volume in just one coat. The curved brush grips every lash, lengthening, curling and separating for fanned-out lashes and a wide-eyed dramatic effect, and yep, it lasts long after the halftime show has finished with aplomb.

MECCA MAX Whip Lash Tubing Mascara

Delivers: Drama at a Price Point to Love
One of my favourite mascara formulas from the moment I popped my first tube, this mousse mascara delivers serious separation and definition for a natural (but better), no-clump finish that won't flake, smudge or break the beauty bank. If you like drama, this baby just gets better with each coat - for wild length, coat, sweep and repeat.

The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher

Delivers: A Lash Lift Look Without the Spend
I love a lash lift as much as the next person, mainly because my own lashes are lush and long but straight as a board. They require significant spend however, so if budget is on your mind I highly recommend The Ordinary's new Lash Curl Finisher - a weightless and transparent anhydrous gel that lifts and holds your lash curl, defining your lashes. Formulated with a combination of four film-forming technologies and The Ordinary's signature hydrating ingredient - Squalane, they work together to create a strong yet flexible film on the surface of lashes, providing durable curl hold and definition. To use Lash Curl Finisher you simply curl your lashes and apply the product as a last step in your regimen.