Gillian Anderson’s favourite mascara is so long-lasting she sleeps in it - and it still looks good when she wakes up
We don't recommend sleeping in your makeup - but Gillian's mascara is just that good


Sennen Prickett
There are so many mascaras that promise to last all day (and night) long, but Gillian Anderson gave one in particular a glowing review when she said it still looks good even after she sleeps in it.
Nothing pulls together a makeup look like mascara - you just feel a little bare without it. Whether you swipe on the best natural-looking mascara to an otherwise bare face for a subtle, eye-enhancing effect, or you break out the best mascaras for short lashes to finish off a smokey eyeshadow look, we all want a clump-free, long-lasting product that we can rely on day-to-day.
And while there are so many lash products to choose from when it comes to the best mascaras out there on the market, Gillian Anderson seems to have found the most 'unbelievable' when it comes to staying power. In fact, she says she sometimes even sleeps in the £12.99 pick and still wakes up with near-perfect lashes.
Shop Gillian Anderson's Long-Lasting Mascara
If it's good enough for Gillian, it's good enough for us! We can't believe the price of her go-to lash lengthener.
Shop Gillian Anderson's Beauty Bag
The secret behind Gillian's youthful looking pout, her makeup artist revealed that she uses this La Roche-Posay Baume to hydrate and prep lips before applying lipstick. It's full of skin-loving ingredients that hydrate and keep the lips looking glossy and smooth all day long - apply in the morning and keep on hand all day.
This viral Laura Mercier skin perfector is one of the best tinted moisturisers out there and it's always sold out everywhere - so we did a little dance when we found it in stock in all shades at Next! Gillian called it 'a big part of my life,' in an interview with Harper's Bazaar in 2017, adding,"Every day I'm grateful for it."
Gillian has raved about this 'amazingly hydrating Skin Lotion for all-over body moisturising,' over on Instagram and she's not the only one who loves the moisturiser that's all natural, vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and SLS-free - it's got thousands of five star reviews online.
Revealing that mascara is the one beauty product she could never live without during an interview with Vogue, she shared that her go-to mascara is the refreshingly affordable Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara by L’Oréal Paris, that can be snapped up for a bargain price.
"I don’t feel like my eyes are my eyes unless they’ve got something on them," she said.
"I’ve been using the L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama one, it’s unbelievable.”
Designed to give tonnes of volume to the lashes, the mascara boasts a multi-layered brush that makes sure every single lash is coated with the jet black formula for maximum drama.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
This bristle brush also helps to fan out the lashes, right from the inner corner to your very outer lashes, and gives an enhancing, eye-opening effect you can layer up with ease to transition from a natural daytime look into a more sultry, evening style.
Smudge and clump-resistant, you can trust that this mascara will keep your lashes looking lifted all day long - and for even longer if you sleep in the mascara like Gillian says she 'sometimes' does.
“It’s awful," she said of her habit of sleeping in the mascara. "But I know that I can just apply another layer [when I wake up] and it won’t clump!”
woman&home's Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Pricket, isn't so keen on sleeping in mascara, but she can't deny that any lashes coated in L'Oréal would stand up while you sleep.
She says, "While I certainly wouldn’t recommend sleeping in your mascara as Gillian suggests (knowing how to remove mascara effectively is a must before heading to bed), a long-lasting mascara can be a gem on busy days or for special occasions."
Sennen adds, "A quality long-lasting mascara will stay put throughout the day, without succumbing to smudging, flaking or transferring. I have tried an array of L’Oréal mascaras, with L’Oréal Telescopic and L’Oréal Paradise Big Deal being some of my absolute favourites, many of which have become some of my go-to options thanks to their stellar formulas and affordable price tags."

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is a freelance royal news, entertainment and fashion writer. She began her journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with Good To, BBC Good Food, The Independent, The Big Issue and The Metro.
- Sennen PrickettDigital Beauty Writer
-
Victoria Beckham just revealed the exact products she uses to achieve her iconic nude lip look - and our editors are already big fans
Both versatile and incredibly wearable, Victoria Beckham's recognisable pinky-nude lip combination has never been easier to recreate
By Sennen Prickett
-
Bucket list marathons around the world, from London to Tokyo
Looking for a new challenge? Check out one of these exciting marathons with stunning views, energetic crowds, and unique experiences
By Grace Walsh
-
Victoria Beckham ‘constantly returns to’ this iconic nude lip look - and she's just revealed the exact products she uses
Both versatile and incredibly wearable, Victoria Beckham's recognisable pinky-nude lip combination has never been easier to recreate
By Sennen Prickett
-
Sarah Jessica Parker just tried spring's favourite new wavy hair trend - and she gave it such a stylish twist
And just like that, Sarah Jessica Parker has officially hopped on board the 'Ghost Wave' hair trend for spring.
By Naomi Jamieson
-
I've finally found the volumising mascara behind Demi Moore's defined, full lashes
Promising buildable length and volume, the actress' mascara of choice turns out to be a favourite of our beauty team, too
By Sennen Prickett
-
You can keep your cold, powdery pastels this spring - we're requesting lilac nails instead
Milky lavender hues are trending, but if you suit warmer nail colours, this pink-toned pastel could be right up your street
By Naomi Jamieson
-
The 'amazing' shampoo Sofia Vergara relies on to keep her strands in tip-top condition
Wave goodbye to damage and quickly fading colour, this lineup of shampoos is A-list approved
By Sennen Prickett
-
The secret to Elizabeth Hurley's luscious glossy locks is this deeply nourishing DIY hair mask
Spoiler: the trick involves combining an indulgent conditioner with a kitchen staple...
By Sennen Prickett
-
Michelle Williams' flicky bob is the perfect transitional look for growing out short hair
With a face-framing fringe, choppy layers and flicked-out ends, Michelle Williams' bob is the cool cut of the summer...
By Naomi Jamieson
-
Demi Moore’s chic bob transformation proves that a big hair change is an easy way to elevate your look
The actress' new look is all the inspiration we needed to book a trip to the salon
By Sennen Prickett