KEY POINTS:
These newer versions of everyone's beauty kit essential work a treat in making the best of your most expressive feature - all without panda eyes.
1 Exceptionnel de Chanel, $59
A cunning brush with two comb lengths ensures this separates and piles on lengthening colour. Its latex polymer formula helps curl a little and is smudge-proof.
From Chanel counters.
2 Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, $55
Mousse formula coats lashes to lift and plump. Micro-fibres cling to each lash rather than together, so skimpier lashes look longer. Lovely canister.
From Estee Lauder counters.
3 Maybelline New York XXL Curl Power, $24.99
Helps curl the lashes, but it takes two steps with a chunky comb - first use the primer coat at one end and then the colour coat which adds setting wax for long-lasting hold.
From Maybelline stockists.
4 Blinc tubes, $49
Washes off with warm water, a pioneer of the new rubber tube mascaras (L'Oreal also makes one) which form a non-flaky coat, making this good for lens wearers. At first, it's unnerving to simply rinse off if you're used to eye makeup remover.
From Glamorpuss Newmarket and Albany.
5 Lancome Hypnose Onyx Custom-Wear Volume Mascara, $58
My everyday favourite, a strong glossy black with good thickening definition. Glitter and silver top-coats available in range.
From Lancome counters.
6 Smashbox Bionic, $43
Water-resistant, long wearing and said to use a molecular charge to strengthen and lengthen. Whatever the science it gives good glossy coverage.
Sass, Ponsonby Rd. Stockists 0800 SASSBC.
7 L'Oreal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara, $33.99
This has a fine brush that puts colour right up against the roots (add eyeliner for an even more defined eye shape) and enhances lashes with strong separation.
L'Oreal stockists.
LASH LORE
The state of your natural lashes will indicate what mascara to choose, from those that lengthen, thicken, define or condition.
* For extra impact use an eyelash curler.
* Then coat your lashes, close to the roots and wiggle the brush up and out. Sparingly on lower lashes.
* If you apply a second coat do it before the first dries or it will glug up your lashes.
* Wash your brush if it is clogged with product and never share brushes.
