Waterproof Mascara - perfect for hayfever days

This is the glossy image for the New High Impact Waterproof Mascara from Clinique, arguably one of the best make-up houses in terms of making mascaras that don't clump. I love my Lash Doubling Mascara which separates every lash perfectly and lasts a really long time, so I have really high hopes for this new one which is out now from Clinique. Instant volume and length that resists flaking, clumping and smudging, I shall be getting my hands on one and giving it a thorough workout during hayfever time.                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                       
High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £16, Clinique.                                    

Mascara wars - L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes vs. Barbara Daly Lash Boost Mascara

Two new mascaras found their way into my bag this week. One from Barbara Daly came via a Christmas in July press launch for Tesco, the other from L'Oreal I bought, so I decided to trial both to see which was a keeper and which a dumper...


Well I'm happy to report that both these relatively inexpensive mascaras have a lot going for them. I had risked looking a bit lob-sided by using a different product on each eye but the effect was virtually the same. Nice, thick, separated and longer looking lashes using both products. The difference was really in the application and initial consistency of each mascara.

First the Barbara Daly Lash Boost. This has a wonderful wand shaped like a shapely woman which makes application a doddle. The slightly angled tip helps with getting to the corner lashes and it wasn't too watery so there was no unsightly smudging even on the lower lashes. It stayed on in the heat all day and was easy to remove as it didn't clump or smudge, at night. Easily a 4/5.

The L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes was slightly more cumbersome as I found the thick rounded brush a bit more difficult to use especially given that the liquid mascara was a bit runny and prone to smudges. Having said that the effect was just as good and the longevity the same - no flaking or runnng off by the end of the day and well separated beautiful lashes. I give this 3/5.

Pricing is key of course and they are pretty similar too - Barbara Daly is around £5 and L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes £4.50 so I would think the choice will be down to availability in the end. Both will give you volume, not clumping and beautiful lashes and both are infinitely affordable.

Check out more Mascaras I've Tried.

Mascaras I've tried ...

Last week brought another launch (I know, I know) to promote the new advert for the Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara which I have been using for the past week and must say I really like. In fact one of my daughter's actually said I looked nice for absolutely no reason, so it must have been the mascara mustn't it?
This mascara has a thickening formula and a tapered brush which meant I could easily apply it to the tiniest lashes so I have to say my lashes did look extra thick and separated. The blurb tells us that the ingredients includes a lash enhancing formula which helps with lash natural growth to strengthen lashes - which I must admit I do need as my lashes are much thinner now than they were when I was younger *sob*. I have noticed that although this is a thick mascara (you put on at least two coats for full effect) it didn't clump, an effect I absolutely hate and it didn't flake either. So I reckon this is an absolute classic in the making for £9.99 - but I'll have to replace it when it goes on sale in August 2011 in either Superdrug or Boots nationwide so you'll have to wait until then too if you don't want to order it online...

In the meantime it got me thinking about my other favourite mascaras which deliver a great effect, don't clump and last for ages making them great value for money. I have been told that Barbara Daly's mascara, which used to be a staple of my make-up bag is used by models because it's so good. And I did have one which I loved but can I get another? No, I can't find one for sale anywhere so please bring it back Tesco! Given it's mysterious disappearance, a mascara that has the same effect and is a light daytime mascara that has a great streamlined brush and gives a more natural look than the Revlon newbie is the Clinique High-Lengths Mascara which I bought to replace my Barbara Daly one. It was much more expensive at £15 but has lasted ages and I love the effect. When you're older I think it's  important during the day to wear a mascara which isn't too glam to avoid the 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' effect, and this one gives great coverage, defines eyes perfectly and the brush, although looking a bit space age, is easy to use and works effectively.

In terms of a daytime mascara that doesn't clump or flake and gives great definition you'd be hard-pressed to not like the Boots No.7 Intense Volume Mascara which comes with the added benefit of being hypo-allergenic so should be good for even the most sensitive eyes. There are a few colours to choose from (though obviously I always go for black) and I find that, once again, it's a great everyday mascara that stays in one place all day long and defines eyelashes making them look long and lovely. I'm not the only one who loves this product either - the reviews on the website were full of praise.