I tested three mascaras promising colossal volume – best option doesn’t flake off during the day

MY mascara usually leans towards lengthening formulas, but given a host of launches this year promise colossal volume, it looks like the false-lash effect is set to rule in 2025.

I test three new releases.

5

BUDGET

5

17. Bigger Better Lash mascara, £4 for 12ml, boots.com: As soon as I saw the hourglass wand of this, I had a good feeling.

You’ve probably seen similar before on high-end mascaras.

The tapered middle concentrates product at the centre of the eye, while curving each side so your lashes have a false-lash shape.

The formula doesn’t clump, there are barely any smudges despite my incredibly oily skin, and my lashes don’t feel crispy, which is a pet hate.

I have super-sensitive eyes and it doesn’t irritate them.

There are no bells and whistles, but you’d be hard-pushed to find a cheaper mascara that delivers results this good. It takes top spot.

MID-RANGE

5

Max Factor False Lash Effect Supreme Recharge mascara, £14.99 for 8ml, superdrug.com: Another affordable option with an hourglass brush – like buses, you wait forever for one and then two turn up at once.

This plastic brush has a pointed end, which makes it easier to reach short lashes in the inner corner of the eye.

I love that this tube is refillable, a first for the brand, which reduces plastic waste by 70 per cent compared to buying a new tube.

It has a wet, gel-like formula, which glides on to lashes without clumps, and it doesn’t flake off during the day.

The most volumising out of the three, so best suited to evening wear.

LUXURY

5

Benefit BADgal Bounce Volumising Mascara, £27 for 8.5g, boots.com: The packaging claims to add 242 per cent more volume to lashes – which sounds impressive, if hard to quantify – plus 24-hour wear time.

The brand went through more than 50 prototypes before landing on the unique, double-sided brush.

One has fibre bristles that build volume from the root and the other has shorter plastic bristles that separate and lengthen, so there’s a lot of tech packed into the small tube.

The formula is drier than previous Benefit mascaras, which I prefer as it’s easier to apply and less likely to smudge.

It provides a lot of volume, but the double brush is tricky to get the hang of.

PICK OF THE WEEK

5

I’M a huge fan of LED face masks.

Granted, you have to use them at least fives times a week to see results, so if you know you’re flakey, they’re not worth the investment.

However, if you can commit the time (cycles usually take about ten minutes and you can watch TV or scroll TikTok while it’s on) the results are great.

Think glowing skin, reduced wrinkles and faster healing from breakouts.

They’re not cheap, but UKSKIN by UKLASH LED dual light pro-therapy face mask, £199, launched this week and is one of the best value masks on the market.

It would make a great Mother’s Day gift if you are planning ahead. Shop now at uklash.com.