Mascara: 17 brands put to the test

9. L'Oréal Paris Volume Shocking, $14.95
Lash description: thin and short
One coat of mascara is: approximately 10 strokes
Verdict: "This easily mastered two-stepper begins with a primer, which has a great, densely bristled brush. Step two's brush is a comb, which I didn't think I'd like at first, but it actually separates the lashes nicely and applies the product well. My lashes look very long!"
-- Suzanne Lacorte

10. L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara, $10.95
Lash description: average thickness and length
One coat of mascara is: one or two passes of the wand along the upper lashline
Verdict: "The 3D comb wand is somewhat difficult to use. The mascara sits in channels between a trio of minicombs [like the Giorgio Armani brush] and can go on quite thickly, but the wand design allowed me to use the tiny comb teeth to separate clumpy areas. The final result is nicely dramatic, and I'd use Telescopic for evenings out –- but only when I have time to use the brush properly."
-- Jessica Pollack

11. Napoleon Perdis Long Black Mascara, $28
(Image at left, courtesy of www.saksfifthavenue.com)
Lash description: long and full
One coat of mascara is: 15 to 20 short, quick strokes per eye
Verdict: "This mascara features a bent-wand applicator, which seemed strange at first but eventually had me wondering why all mascara wands aren't bent. Its ergonomics allow for easy application, even to the lashes at the corner of the eyes. The formula itself wears well and washes off easily at the end of the day."
-- Natalie Bahadur

12. Almay Triple Effect One Coat Nourishing Mascara, $7.95
Lash description: fairly thick, average length and straight
One coat of mascara is: back and forth for six or eight strokes from inner to outer lashes
Verdict: "This one promised fuller, longer and curvier lashes, and although the end result is fuller and a bit longer, I still need to use a lash curler. As well, the brush is too dense to comb through my lashes to clear the slight clumping that occurred during application."
-- Kat Tancock

13. Anna Sui Super Long Lash Mascara, $20
Lash description: short
One coat of mascara is: at least seven wand strokes
Verdict: "The brush has too many jagged bristles for me to apply the mascara evenly. Once I figured out how to make the brush work for me, though, it made my lashes look longer, yet lightweight. However, I noticed it flaking off at the end of the day."
-- Sarah Snowdon

14. DiorShow Unlimited Mascara, $23
(Image at left, courtesy of www.sephora.com)
Lash description: thick, slightly longer than average
One coat of mascara is: 25 wand strokes with a second coat of three strokes to separate
Verdict: "A more watery formula than my usual brand, it made my lashes look longer and more defined without adding volume and without clumping."
-- Olga Goncalves-Costa

15. Clarins Wonder Volume Mascara, $27
Lash description: very pale and sparse
One coat of mascara is: at least a dozen wand strokes
Verdict: "I have very sensitive eyes and several allergies, so a no-flake hypoallergenic formula is key. Wonder Volume is opthalmologist and allergy tested, and doesn't flake into my eyes. It also goes on easily despite the number of wand strokes I need to get the definition I want."
-- Pauline Anderson

16. Revlon Luxurious Lengths Mascara (Waterproof), $10.95
Lash description: average thickness and short
One coat of mascara is: two strokes of the wand
Verdict: "I have allergies, so I like mascara that goes on smoothly and dries quickly before my eyes can water. This one is exactly what I want: a thin, drier consistency that doesn't smudge. My lashes look natural, yet longer and more defined. The brush, however, could be a little less dense to separate my lashes better."
-- Karen Kirk

17. Yves Rocher Luminelle Lash Separation Mascara, $10.50
Lash description: long and obstinate
One coat of mascara is: one or two wand strokes -– more if I'm going for drama
Verdict: "This is a gentle formula that wears well if applied sparingly at the outset, and washes off easily. I prefer a curved brush, but this one was good at separating my lashes. Nice for everyday; I'd use something else to glam up."
-- Sarah Silva

Overall, the majority of our testers were pleased with their results. But you may get different results even if they have similar lashes and use the same type of mascara. Given the time and expense it can take to find the perfect brush and formula for fabulous lashes, it's no wonder so many women count their trusty mascara among their most valued possessions.

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