With all the many mascaras available, how do you decide which to actually buy – and more importantly, do they live up to their claims? BeautySouthAfrica.com put a few mascaras to the test – so that you don’t have to!

You want: Long, strong lashes.
We suggest: Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara, R130

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara has a special conditioning formula that helps to strengthen and plump your lashes by up to 200%. When I applied this mascara it instantly pumped up my lashes giving them length and separation. It is my new favourite mascara.

You want: Fuller looking lashes.
We suggest: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara, R165

With Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara you will achieve the fuller, longer look you want from your lashes. It contains Ceramide Triple Complex and Vitamins to help restore your lashes’ natural protective barrier as well as Keravis, which is a conditioning treatment that will help strengthen your lashes. I found this mascara gave great definition and didn’t clump.

You want: To reduce lash breakage and damage
We suggest: Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow Mascara, R135

Almay have come out with a fantastic mascara for those of you who have short eye lashes due to breakage or just weren’t born with full looking lashes. The Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow Mascara with it’s pro-vitamin formula and soft-touch brush will help reduce lash breakage and strengthen your lashes at the same time. They will become stronger each time you apply one coat. I have sensitive eyes and this worked perfectly on my eyes. It gave me long, defined lashes after applying two coats and it didn’t clump. I must say I was very impressed with this formula.

You want: The false lash effect
We suggest: Essence Multi-action False Lashes mascara, R34

Essence brings you an innovative, multi action false-lash-effect mascara. It creates extremely long, thick lashes. Great for evening wear and especially if you just feel like wearing mascara and a glossy lip. I found it really made my lashes thick, but didn’t weigh them down.

You want: Waterproof Mascara
We suggest: Revlon CustomEyes Waterproof Mascara, R140

With this waterproof mascara – which, let me tell you, is very waterproof – you can create two different looks in one! There are two different settings which allow for Length & Drama or Length & Definition.
I suggest you play around with the settings until you achieve your desired look. I like to use both settings and just layer until I get the look I want.

You want: A bold, dramatic eye
We suggest: Accessorize Collagen Mascara, R99

I adore the packaging of all the Accessorize make-up and this bright pink tube with what seems to be a collage of pretty things is no exception. And it delivers the goods. I found the thick brush a bit awkward to use, but I loved the effect: bold, thick, long, sumptuous lashes. And a colleague to whom we gave a tube as a thanks for helping us with some design work, says she wore it to a wedding and it did not run when she wept (even though it’s not a waterproof mascara). All this at such a great price!

You want: Volume and curl
We suggest: MAC Opulash, R155

The tube is unremarkable looking but the contents are not. Thick, voluminous, glossy black eyelashes that totally stand out. Brilliant for when you are out on the town, rocking that smoky eye look, and you want big, bold fabulous lashes. Love this product.

You want: Instant colour and care
We suggest: Clarins Instant Definition Mascara in 01 Black, R210

Not only do I love how this product goes on, but the golden case it comes in just makes the product look that much better. This dual-purpose, ultra-volume, intense colour mascara has a rich formula that will enhance all types of lashes. If you have long or short lashes and need that extra boost of colour then this is the mascara for you. It coated my lashes, giving off an intense black look.

You want: length length length!
We suggest: Accessorize lengthening mascara, R89.99

Apart from the elegantly shaped and coloured tube (which I love), I thought this mascara was great: the rather odd flexible brush reached all my lashes and gave them enviable length. Perfect to wear when you want to go barefaced (sans eye shadow) but still want your lashes prettily framed.

You want: Instant body
We suggest: Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara, R295

As the name suggests, I was hypnotised by the effect of this mascara. The oversized convex brush reached every lash and created a rich darkening effect on my lashes. The end result was beautiful looking lashes with full body and volume.