I tried 11 mascaras to find out which is the best

As a beauty writer and a long-time beauty devotee, I have tried a lot — and I really do mean a lot — of mascaras. It's one of those products that I don't have a significant amount of loyalty to (although I do find myself circling back to a few faves). So, my stash has gotten kind of out of hand, in the best way possible. 

But because of this I just knew that I had to put my beauty skills (and collection) to the test to see once and for all, what is the best mascara. And yes, in this scientific research piece, we will be pitting all kinds of formulas against each. 

My Mascara Review Journey

The mission I chose to accept (and let's be honest, set on myself), was to test out XX of the best mascaras in the biz. From the viral sensations to my very own die hard faves, pitting them against one another to come to a clear list of who sits where on the scale of lash sensations. 

And let's be real, because I am an aforementioned mascara hoarder, I figured this journey could be a good idea to declutter my collection moving forward (let's be real, I am who I am and that's seriously unlikely). But throughout the process of putting these lash-lengthening picks to the test, I encountered everything from warm days to freezing mornings. From inconceivable office aircon to Pilates and even an emotional low or two, they saw it all. So, it's safe to say they were put through their paces. 

So, what makes different mascara formulas unique?

When it comes to mascara formulas, there's no one size fits all approach. With different formulas offering up vastly different results it's hard to know exactly what outcome you're going to get. So, we've gone through the top picks to break them down for you. 

First up, lengthening mascaras. Yep, this one is in fact pretty obvious. If you're after longer lashes, these are the formulas you're going to look for. Although, in saying that, most mascaras will include 'lengthening' as one of their objections. It's basically the whole point, right?

Then we've got voluminising. Voluminising mascaras are all about creating that dramatic, thickened lash look. Think 'falsies' but thanks to an incredible tube of mascara.

If you have long, thick lashes that happen to lack a certain level of curl, then opting for a curling mascara will be your best bet to lift and hold. 

And in the smudge-proof realm, we've got two key players. First up, waterproof mascara, pretty self-explanatory really, all we will say is be prepared to be patient when taking this formula off. And on the other end of the spectrum, we've got tubing mascara. This innovative formula coats each lash with a 'tube' that offers up longwearing benefits, but with the added benefit of being seriously easy to remove.

My Testing Method 

Over what was several weeks of testing (*ahem* don't judge the amount of times you see my nails change), I tried out XX mascaras, some that I've known and loved for years others that are brand new to me and heck, some that are simply brand new. 

As I collected my mascaras to test, I realised that I'd set myself up for a tricky task. With the likes of volumising, defining and even tubing mascaras in my midst I was left comparing let's be real vastly different products. So, to ensure a level of fairness, I assessed each tube based on if it did what it said it would do, plus a few extra factors:

Smudge-factor: We all know the pain of starting off the day with mascara that look unbelievable, only to catch your reflection on your midday walk to realise you've ended up looking a little more racoon-ish than you'd hoped. 

Definition: Okay okay, not all mascaras are destined to wield unbelievable definition, but by no means will my lashes ever look like spiders legs, I flat out refuse. So, definition is a must.  

Application: Pretty self-explanatory really, but how easy was the application process. 

My Skin Type And Beauty Routine:

The age old question; oily, dry or somewhere in between. Well beauty lovers, I fall in all of the categories. Yep, I've got my bases covered well and truly. So, to keep a bit of consistency for the sake of testing I kept all my other beauty products around my eyes the same and hoped my skin would play ball.

My daily 'eye' routine:

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Foundation ($54 at Sephora)

Revlon Illuminance Serum Concealer ($29.95 at Priceline)

How To Apply Mascara

We know, we know, it's pretty obvious, right? Right. But hey, everyone has a slightly different way of applying it. I am a big believer of not having too much product on the wand (makes for less clumpy lashes, ya know?), so, my fave way is giving the wand a little swirl in the tube (don't ask me why, I really don't know), then wiping off any excess just onto the opening of the tube. 

After that I go in. Starting with the mids to outer lashes and working my way into the inner corner. But really, the most important factor in my application is standing about 2cm away from the mirror with my mouth agape. I wish I was kidding.

Tried And Tested: The Best Mascaras In Australia

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara

From $48 at Charlotte Tilbury

What does it claim? And how does it stack up?

Does the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara work?

Key Features: 

Verdict?

Available at:

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

$25.99 at Adore Beauty

What does it claim? And how does it stack up?

Does the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara work?

Key features:

Verdict?

Available at:

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara

$31.99 at Adore Beauty

What does it claim? And how does it stack up?

Does the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara work?

Key features:

Verdict?

Available at:

Judydoll Beauty's 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara

$15.54 at Beauty Amora

What does it claim? And how does it stack up?

Does the Judydoll Beauty's 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara work?

Key features:

Verdict?

Available at:

Benefit Roller Lash Curling Mascara

$49 at Sephora

Does the Benefit Roller Lash Curling Mascara work?

Key features:

Verdict?

Available at:

Hourglass Unlocked™ Instant Extensions Mascara

$54 at MECCA

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

$51 at MECCA

Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara

$28.99 at Priceline

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

$56 at MECCA

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

$39 at Sephora

Kylie Cosmetics Wisp Lash Mascara

$43 at Kylie Cosmetics

Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Tubing Mascara

$51 at MECCA

If you want to back your editor-rated mascara choices with celeb-loved status, then check out these mascaras that celebrities actually use...