As someone with particularly straight lashes, I've always envied Demi Moore's delicately lifted, lengthened and volumised lashes.

I've been on a mission to find the best mascaras for straight lashes, meaning my makeup bag is stashed full of a variety of formulas. While I've found many stellar contenders so far, I'll always take on board celebrity recommendations - especially as we so rarely get an insight into A-lister's beauty bags.

After spending the majority of her life gracing cinema screens and in front of the flashing lights of a red carpet, I can't help but wonder what Demi Moore thinks is the best volumising mascara for her defined, fuller-looking lashes. After searching the web high and low, I've thankfully unearthed the answer - and her favoured pick currently boasts a notable 20% discount.

The volume-boosting mascara behind Demi Moore's enviable lashes

The mascara in question boasts hundreds of rave reviews from other customers with claims of making "thinning lashes thick and full," and having a formula that "outperforms anything I have ever used before." So it comes as no surprise that Demi Moore is also a fan of this buy...

In an interview with In Style, the actress gave a rare insight into her stripped-back beauty routine, noting: “I try to keep a really simple program, I'm kind of a lazy man and I don't like things to get too complicated.”

Only using products "that are highly effective and of the highest quality", Moore finally shared her secret to achieving lengthened and volumised eyelashes. In Style notes the formula to be Lancôme's Monsieur Big Mascara, an option that made it into our curated guide of the best Lancôme mascaras.

Hailing its lash-defining formula, Beauty Editor, Rhiannon Derbyshire says: "Considering the volumising effects are so instant and effective, it doesn't clump, which is extra impressive." As for who would benefit from adopting this mascara into their beauty regime, Rhiannon suggests: "If you want quick volume and dramatic lashes, this is the best Lancôme mascara for the job."

If you struggle to give your eyelashes some oomph, make sure to equip yourself with a quality eyelash curler (like my personal favourite, Shiseido's Eyelash Curler) to help give that lifted and curled appearance before applying your volumising mascara of choice. Not to mention, the pièce de résistance of the defined eye look, Demi Moore's eyeliner, which arrives in a soft yet flattering chocolate brown hue that's smudged along the top and bottom of her lash line.

Christmas can be a stressful time, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gift for a loved one. Luckily, I've found the one mascara I'll be gifting a beauty fan in my life this festive season, thanks to its volumising and awakening formula...

Prove me wrong, but I believe gifting one of the best mascaras is a treat that any beauty lover would appreciate unwrapping. So, naturally, combining one of the best volumising mascaras with one of the best eyebrow gels results in the ultimate makeup gift. Thankfully, Trinny London has taken notes and provided the goods with this innovative Lash2Brow formula.

Offering to boost the length and volume of your lashes, while giving eyebrows a fuller and defined appearance, here's why Trinny London's nifty 2-in-1 buy is the only mascara I'm gifting this festive season...

The youthful and lash-enhancing mascara I'm gifting this festive season

On the surface, this product looks like many other mascaras available on the market, but taking a deeper look will reveal a 2-in-1 tube, which makes home to both a mascara and tinted brow gel. This standout buy not only allows for easy makeup application but makes your makeup bag lighter in the process too - a win-win situation. With stellar reviews on the brand's site, it's no surprise that this mascara makes the perfect present this Christmas...

How to apply Lash2Brow

As with any mascara, there are many ways you can apply the mascara section of this product onto your lashes. Whether you choose Trinny London's recommended wiggling trick or the blinking mascara application method, it ultimately lies with your personal preferences. I choose to curl my eyelashes before application with my Shiseido Eyelash Curler, before opting for the wiggling brushing motion to apply the mascara from root to tip. For those looking for more oomph, Trinny London also recommends using the small tip of the brush and vertically applying the mascara to your lower lashes for more impact.

As for the brow gel, its micro-fine brush makes for an easy and precise application. You can simply sweep the product through the brows to add a touch of colour, while also working to tame and shape. For more defined and fuller, natural-looking brows, the brand recommends brushing the wand backwards through your eyebrows first to add volume and make sure each hair is coated, before brushing upwards to help achieve a lifted effect.

As a team of mascara lovers, when a new formula hits the shelves we're often first in line to try it out - especially when a certain A-lister shows us how it lifts and elongates her lashes in real-time. That said, it was the way Sienna Miller applied this particular formula that had us racing to get our hands on it...

When it comes to the best mascaras, we all have our personal preferences. Half our beauty team, for instance, favour a subtle lift while the rest invest in the best volumising mascaras for boosted definition and curl. We all found some common ground, however, when we clustered together to watch Sienna Miller's tutorial on Charlotte Tilbury's latest lash formula, Exaggereyes. The star demonstrated exactly how she achieves 'feline'-like flutter and let's just say, we were simultaneously impressed and perplexed.

So, naturally, we were all desperate to trial Charlotte TIlbury's Exaggereyes mascara for ourselves and went to work applying it like Miller - to see if we could replicate the height and fanned-out effect...

We put Sienna Miller's mascara application and go-to formula to the test

If you haven't yet seen the way Sienna Miller coats her lashes, the actor appeared on YouTube (a clip of which was then shared as an Instagram Reel), to demonstrate how the mascara works - and of course, how she achieves elevated and dramatic lashes.

In the video, she said: "I tend to just put my mascara, when I'm wearing it a lot, just on that back corner or the side - whatever you want to call it - to get a kind of feline vibe." She then proceeded to brush the mascara up from root to tip, occasionally blinking onto it (which can help to coat the lashes), while also angling the hairs up and outwards - towards her brow bone.

Miller then mused that she'd probably add it to the bottom lashes as well, but just at the very edge. For nighttime wear, she said that she might also let the formula 'slightly smoosh' onto the lower lashes - which would afford a slightly heavier and more sultry look.

As for the mascara itself, Miller quipped that the curved brush really helps to hug the lashes and add volume, before dubbing the formula 'fantastic,' and that it really does 'exaggerate the eyes' - much like its name implies.

After seeing this, we were all intrigued as to how brushing our lashes so intentionally to the side and outwards (and with this volumising product, in particular) would look - especially for those of us who tend to lightly graze our lashes in mascara, rather than coat every single inch.

Our verdict on the mascara and application method

As fans of many of the best Charlotte Tilbury products, we all went into this experiment with excitement but it's safe to say, our previously found common ground was swiftly lost...

Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson was a fan of Exaggereyes in general but not so much with Miller's 'feline' application trick. "Formula-wise, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily this mascara separated and defined my lashes. I prefer to keep my makeup very natural and so while I do curl my lashes, I just want my mascara to lock that shape in place, elongate and tint them slightly - but not make them look too 'done.' When using a very light hand, I found Exaggereyes ticked all those boxes well - but could go a tiny bit clumpy if I used too much. It was also quite hard to remove, although my go-to Tatcha Indigo Cleansing balm made quicker work of it.

"This 'feline' application trick on the other hand...I am not a fan. While I quite liked the finished effect, I ended up with mascara all over my eyelid - which is not fun when you've spent the previous ten minutes creating a smoky eye. I also found if I applied too much, the lashes would stick together and create more of a line as opposed to a fanned-out, feline look but perhaps this would improve with practice."

Digital Beauty Editor, Aleesha Badkar had the opposite experience to Naomi, as she did not particularly like the mascara formula but did get on well with Sienna's application trick. Aleesha notes that she has very long and thick lashes, so a heavy or very wet formula can make them drop: "While this is a pretty slick and smooth formula, it’s so wet that - no matter how much I curl [my lashes] beforehand this makes them drop straightaway.

"Not only do I not love this look and feel like it's not flattering for my face (long lashes have always been my saving grace ), it's also very unforgiving when I apply my signature eyeliner and means that I have to be super on point with my application - otherwise it's on show and not being veiled by my lashes at all." That said, Aleesha did note that the formula dries well, "while I don't advocate for eyelash curling post-mascara (lest they stick and pull out), I do appreciate that this mascara dries very dry - not at all tacky or sticky - so it actually made it super easy to give them a curl after. The mascara also didn't flake at all afterwards, which doesn't usually happen with a post-mascara eyelash curl."

Exaggereyes aside though, "Sienna's application does give this a really nice flirty, fluttery, fanned out, winged look that - if I'm being honest - I don't hate."

"When it comes to mascara, I’m all about the lengthened and curled appearance," says Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett: "So, I’m always slightly apprehensive when it comes to testing out volumising mascaras, in fear of them clumping my lashes together. That said, when I spotted Sienna Miller’s application trick I knew I just had to recreate it for myself, in hopes of achieving the exact same effortless look as hers.

"I, too, copied Miller by using the curled side of the brush to initially apply to product to my lashes, which I found evenly distributed the mascara and left my lashes naturally lengthened and volumised - without leaning into that dreaded spider leg-effect. As for her top tip of focusing the product on the outer corners of the eyes, I must admit both the application and outcome did feel slightly unnatural to me, however, I can appreciate the sultry, feline look that it left me with. In terms of the formula itself, I find it to be much less clumpy than other volume-boosting options, so it was quite easy to achieve that natural fanned effect that Sienna showed. Although the results don't quite compare to those of my go-to lengthening mascaras, it is a trick I would opt for when I’m wanting a more subtle evening eye look, perhaps paired with a brown smoky eye."

Digital Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim, did not have a fun time with this particular team test: "I think my facial expression says everything here. This didn’t work out at all well, which I’ll put down to a combination of a fairly wet formula (the fast train to smudgeville on my hooded eyelids) and, in fairness, probably some user error on the application method too. You try following a mascara tutorial while supervising a rowdy toddler hell-bent on throwing himself off the highest piece of furniture he can find."

"While I don’t doubt this would be an excellent mascara for a ‘more is more’ fast volumised effect," says Fiona, "the whole thing was just too much for me. Too much formula loaded onto my lashes too quickly, which went all spindly and spider-like then deposited little black smears on my lids as I dragged the wand horizontally to my eyes' outer corners a la Sienna. I think this is yet another case of getting ‘Sienna Millered.’ I should have learned when I got a fringe cut in after watching Alfie or tried to wear a floaty maxi skirt around the muddy lochside campus of Stirling University. Mistake this woman for a mere mortal and legitimate source of wearable inspiration at your peril."

One major pro in the Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes mascaras' favour though, is that woman&homes Digital Editor, Kerrie Hughes loves it for making her lashes more visible and perfectly defined behind glasses.

Applying makeup when your eyesight is poor comes with its challenges. Without my glasses on, my world is blur of colours, and so a magnifying mirror is a must. But this is, surprisingly, not my biggest problem when it comes to eye makeup and wearing glasses.

Firstly, I try to avoid mascaras that lengthen my already fairly long lashes, to stop them constantly hitting the lenses. Instead I try to stick to products that separate and define them, but the biggest problem is finding a mascara that gives my eyelashes enough definition to make them really visible from behind my glasses.

My preferred makeup look is, well, as little as possible, however when it comes to making my eyes stand out, not even the best natural-looking mascaras make the grade – every day requires a dramatic look in order for my lashes to be seen. And so having seen Charlotte Tilbury's Exagger-eyes – described on the CT website as 'volumising mascara for multiplied, thicker, fanned-out looking lashes' – I decided to give it a try. And I'm sold.

I've tried a lot of the best volumising mascaras, and so far, I've found little in the way of products that do the trick without at least two or three applications every time. Which then often results in clumping and getting through product in record time. But not this one.

I was immediately impressed after one application, but made sure to take a photo of my usual brand mascara before trying to see if there was any significant difference. And, as the photo above shows, my lashes are immediately more visible using CT's Exagger-eyes.

As the name suggests, this product is designed to exaggerate the eyes, and it does exactly that. After just one application, the amount of product was just the right to really highlight my lashes, so much so I didn't feel the need for another application. The brush is curved, and not at all what I am used to, but it's so easy to get right down to the lashline, wiggle around and leave enough product to almost look like eyeliner (another thing I find impossible to apply).

Usually with one application using other products, my eyelashes can often end up look spindly, like spiders legs. But with CT's Exagger-eyes they were full enough for my everyday wear look. And I love how it does exactly what it promises in giving my lashes the most beautiful fanned out look.

Having such fair hair and skin, without mascara I look like I don't have any eyelashes (and could very easily be an extra in the Walking Dead), and so I rarely leave the house without some on. The confidence this simple product gives me can't be overestimated. Having a mascara that helps make my eyes look vibrant and alive behind my thick-rimmed glasses, which doesn't require layers of product, has been a long time coming - but was definitely worth the wait.

Shop more volumising mascaras

Do you what the most valuable recommendation any beauty editor can give you is? The products we genuinely spend our own, hard-earned money on. For me, this Maybelline mascara is a member of that elite club, here's why...

It sounds very spoilt to say I rarely buy beauty products. Yes, it's a privilege to slap on a beauty hall's worth of creams and powders without spending a pound, but the truth is I do need to try as many products as possible, so I can truly tell you what the best mascaras are, then get even more nerdy and forensic to recommend the best mascara for short lashes, say, or best volumising mascara.

Anyway, in the world's least sympathy-inducing news, my beauty gravy train came to a temporary halt in 2023 when I went on maternity leave. Spending over a year apart from my beloved beauty cupboard focused my mind on which beauty products I found truly essential - and Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara made the grade. So much so my Amazon history tells me I bought it three times during my 14-month spell in the Tommee Tippee universe.

Why I have Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara on repeat buy

There are lots of reasons this is one of my ride-or-die beauty products - and if you want to get into the technical specs, our detailed Maybelline Sky High Mascara review will make interesting reading.

As for why I can't get through a year without one (or three) of these: firstly, it creates what is, in my opinion, an absolutely perfect everyday lash look. The brush and formula are focused on length, lift and curl. I find I can layer on several coats without it going all heavy or clumpy, and the uniquely bendy brush is so handy for applying without smudges, particularly if, like myself, you have a challenge on your hands trying to find and apply makeup for hooded eyes.

It wears beautifully too. It doesn't transfer, even on my aforementioned hooded lids, which along with my oily skin and tendency to, well, perspire (my internal thermostat runs hot - always has) makes a mess of most formulas. It doesn't dry out or flake and the shade stays true rather than going all oxidised and grey after a few hours, which is a maddening affliction I'd say about 50% of mascaras suffer with.

Finally, if I needed to spell it out, the reason I bought this mascara so many times in a row during a very budget-conscious year is because it is excellent, but also because it is cheap. Even without this deal, £12.99 for a truly brilliant beauty product is rare in this market. Then again, it's actually a bit less rare for mascaras, which I believe are just like chocolate in that the affordable classics stacked on shelves are usually superior to the fancy stuff on counters. You'll have a hard time convincing me anyone genuinely gets more enjoyment from a 90% cacao slab than a grab bag of Malteasers.

On the hunt for a mascara that boosts the volume of your natural lashes for a defined and fanned effect? Eva Longoria's go-to affordable mascara is a must-have in your makeup collection...

Whether you use one of the best mascaras for short lashes or perhaps the best mascara for straight lashes, we all have that one mascara that we end up reaching for above the rest. But, whatever your lash type or length, investing in the best volumising mascara has the ability to complete your look by offering a thicker and more dramatic appearance to your eyes. So, if you're currently in the market for your new staple, take notes from the Eva Longoria's mascara of choice that gives her lusciously sultry lashes.

While most celebrities go-to products will often require a splurge, Eva Longoria's go-to mascara will only set you back £13 and it's set to make a trusted addition to your makeup collection...

The £13 mascara Eva Longoria relies on for dramatic and volumised lashes

Whether you're looking to add length, curl or volume, finding the best mascara that not only does the job it promises to do, but also doesn't break the bank either, can be a tricky task. In fact, if you find a good quality option that elevates your look, its worth sticking with it. But, if you're currently on the lookout for a new mascara that gives your lashes some extra oomph, Eva Longoria's favoured buy makes a great option - she even wore it to the Oscars earlier this year.

In a video posted to Instagram, Longoria's makeup artist, @beautybyelan, was seen using L'Oréal's Volumising Panorama Mascara on the actress' lashes ahead of the red carpet event, which was perfectly accompanied by her dramatic smokey eye and winged eyeliner look.

Not only is this mascara loved by Longoria, but many others too, with the product boasting an array of highly rated reviews on Amazon. So, if you're looking to get your hands on the mascara yourself, you'll be even more pleased to know that its price tag has been slashed by 32%...

If you're wondering what a volumising mascara actually does, not only do they have the ability to give your lashes a fuller appearance, they can also transform your eyes to look both bigger and brighter. They're a particularly good choice for those with naturally straight lashes, as they offer thicker and more defined eyelashes without weighing them down. Whilst many products on the market will also offer other benefits, including formulas that work to curl and lengthen, too.

Holly Willoughby’s makeup artist has revealed the £10 mascara she relies on to create the celeb's long and voluminous lashes - and it's heat, sweat and water-resistant!

Even better than learning your favourite celebrities' beauty hacks, is finding out the products they use to pull them off are affordable. And it doesn't get more purse-friendly than Holly Willoughby's go-to high-street mascara, which costs less than £10, but gives a much more expensive look. 

Writing on Holly’s lifestyle website Wydle Moon, the presenter's makeup artist Patsy O’Neil revealed that she always uses the 'Worth The Hype' mascara from NYX Professional Makeup on clients like Holly and, if her endorsement is anything to go by, it really lives up to its name. 

"This affordable and effective mascara by NYX does what it says on the tin," she said. "It’s an ideal mascara for short lashes in need of added length and volume. The brush coats even the smallest lash hairs without feeling heavy or clumping together. This mascara is easy to remove, and at this price it’s definitely worth a try."

In addition, the NYX mascara is waterproof as well as being heat and sweat resistant, making it the perfect product for hot, summer days as well as for wedding guest makeup looks where you want your look to last through all your inevitable crying and dancing. 

The formula also includes Jojoba oil, which keeps lashes from becoming stiff or clumped together over the course of your day, and it also treats your lashes with its nourishing properties to make them softer and healthier in the long-term. 

To get the best results from this mascara, the brand says to use a 'zigzag motion' when applying, bringing the brush from root to tip as you do so and using the tapered end of the brush for precise application on the shorter lashes in the corners of your eyes.

They also add, "For tailor-made volume and highly pigmented colour, build the formula in layers." 

Using this technique, many shoppers have created the perfect lash look, taking to Amazon to share their love for the affordable product. One shared, "I love this mascara! It separates your lashes and doesn't clump at all -  it's very easy to apply too."

Another added, "This has been my favourite mascara for years. It's easy to build up a few layers without clumping, and the brush is really good. Doesn’t flake off your lashes but is easy to remove, I just wash it off with regular face wash."

Think lash primer is a waste of time? So did I, until I tried this incredible two-step mascara from the makers of Meghan Markle’s go-to eyelash serum. 

Picking the best mascara for you can be tricky task - we all have different wants and needs, whether you’re looking for the best volumising mascara or prefer a more natural-looking mascara.

As a senior beauty editor, people assume I have a wildly elaborate make-up routine, but really it’s the opposite. I like using quick, effective products that can get me made up and out the door as quickly as possible - my daily makeup takes me under 10 minutes to do. That’s why I never really saw the point of using the best lash primers - why bother adding an extra step when my mascara is doing a brilliant job already? Well, here’s why.

The two-step mascara our senior beauty editor can’t stop recommending

This mascara, created by Revitalash, known for making the best eyelash growth serum on the market (even Meghan Markle's a fan) features two sides. One is a primer, and one is a mascara, making the extra step of primer a seamless one to incorporate into any routine.

My first impressions of the Revitalash's Double Ended Volume Set

The packaging of the Revitalash's Double Ended Volume Set feels really weighty and well-designed with a smooth matte black finish. At £37, this errs on the expensive side of mascaras, so those extra elements do help give it that luxe touch. 

One end is a blue-toned primer - I appreciated that both sides are clearly labelled, so you know which step comes first. The primer paints on easily in a couple of coats, leaving lashes looking defined and smooth with a vibrant blue hue. Believe it or not, coloured mascara is making a comeback, so if you felt emboldened to do so, you could leave your mascara application here.

If you're after a more traditional lash look (which I'm assuming most of us are), follow on with the second end, the black mascara. The wand has an hourglass shape which works brilliantly to grab every lash and fan them out. It coats each eyelash, and the previous blue formula helps you identify any you may have missed. It's an excellent standalone mascara, but the two steps together create the most impact.

It's everything I'm looking for in mascara - high-impact eyelashes without clumping, without the need for eyelash curlers. 

Is the Revitalash's Double Ended Volume Set worth buying?

If you want a brilliant mascara that's also kind to lashes, you should buy Revitalash's Double-Ended Volume Set. The primer nourishes and enhances your natural eyelashes, leaving them longer and stronger. This will improve all your future mascara applications and also enhance how they look when you're bare-faced.

As someone who previously always preferred the best drugstore mascaras, I've surprised myself by how much I've enjoyed this £37 buy. While it's a little expensive, the effect it has is truly impressive. It's also technically two products in one, which helps balance out the cost a little.

If you're in the market for a new mascara, this is a truly brilliant option.

Whenever I get asked to name my favourite beauty buys, the Maybelline Sky High Mascara is usually the first to tumble off the tongue - and while the £13 price point is reason enough, here's why I think everyone's lashes could benefit...

Without overstating the point, this mascara has changed my life and while the brand itself is already known to house some of the best mascaras on the market, this particular lash-booster thoroughly exceeded my expectations. And although new mascaras will, of course, come and go (vigorous and plentiful testing is a Beauty Editor’s cross to bear), this will forever be my favourite mascara and the only one I’ll spend money on.

So, if you - like me - are tired of curling your lashes over and over just to achieve a semblance of lift, here's exactly why Maybelline's popular mascara is worth every penny and lives [sky] high on my list of beauty essentials...

Why the Maybelline Sky High Mascara retired my eyelash curlers

I am fortunate to have been blessed with fairly long eyelashes. But alas, nature gives with one hand and takes with the other. Long they may be but my eyelashes are also frustratingly straight so I have always had to rely on lash curlers to tease some much-needed lift. And even after this crimping, primping torment, some mascaras would weigh so heavily on my lashes that they would immediately revert to their straight, sticky-outy default position. 

When used correctly, eyelash curlers are perfectly safe for your lashes, but I had started to notice my once lengthy lashes were looking a little stubbier and I grew tired of putting in the effort with my palm-sized torture device and not getting much in return. This is where the Maybelline Sky High Mascara enters my story and after adding it to my rotation a couple of years ago, I sacked off eyelash curlers altogether - as I found this magic wand did more to lift my lashes on its own than my curler and other mascaras combined. 

Full disclosure: I do get LVL (lash lifting treatment) a few times a year. But where once upon a time I would have to return to the painstaking process of crimping lashes after about five or six weeks, I find that using Maybelline Sky High Mascara creates so much lift that it appears to prolong the results of my LVL treatment. The combination of LVL and this mascara means my eyelashes are so long that they literally tickle my eyebrows if I look up. Stick that on your next ad campaign Maybelline. 

What makes Maybelline Sky High Mascara so good?

The formula perfectly treads the line between weightless wear and buildable volume, which is what makes it one of the best Maybelline mascaras IMO. I tend to adopt a 'more is more' approach to mascara, and this thing layers like a dream. No clumps. No clagging. No spider’s legs. 

One coat gives length and lift. Two coats dials up the volume and thickness of each lash. Three coats (my personal sweet spot) give falsie-like results. And if you’re partial to a lower lash coating, this one won’t leave you with a speckled imprint or panda eyes by the time you’ve reached the office. 

The brush head - made of plastic rather than traditional bristles - is straight and ever so slightly conical, which means you can dig right into the base of your lashes and lift up to coat from root to tip. The cherry on this fluttery-lash cake? Maybelline Sky High Mascara is just £12.99, and honestly, the results are so good I’d pay double - just don’t tell anyone!

Minimal, subtly defined lashes - or no mascara whatsoever - is the latest adaption of the no-makeup-makeup trend we're seeing everywhere this season, on and off the red carpet...

While the beauty zeitgeist is ever-changing, some makeup looks never tire and are rightfully considered to be timeless. Natural, feature-enhancing makeup is one of those said looks, though the 2024 makeup trends have promised a few variations on the stripped-back finish - particularly where mascara is concerned. Indeed, this year it seems we'll be using our best mascaras very sparingly or focusing more on our best foundations, for an almost bare but fresh face.

So, if you're looking for guidance on how to nail this celebrity-approved no-mascara trend - whether you've got sparse lashes or just want to streamline your routine - we've quizzed a makeup artist on the subtle eye look.

Is 'no mascara' in for 2024?

While the best volumising mascaras will never be retired from our beauty arsenals, we have seen a shift away from very long, feathered lashes as of late, in favour of brown and burgundy formulas - that offer a softer effect - or barely-there eye looks. The effect is very clean and minimalistic and also very reminiscent of chic French-style makeup.

We've spied many famous names opting for a subtle lash on the red carpet, forgoing falsies and in some instances, mascara altogether. Or else, opt for very understated mascara coverage.

Meryl Streep for instance, has opted for a bare-eye several times in the last few months, while the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross and Léa Seydoux have stepped out with very subtle mascara looks - with more of a focus on eyeliner, glowy skin and nude eyeshadows.

How to master the no mascara trend

This trend is pretty self-explanatory, it effectively requires you to skip your mascara step or apply a very minimal layer but if you're looking to achieve a really elevated and chic finish, there are a few tricks to follow...

Focus on skin-prep: Makeup artist and former contestant on BBC's Glow Up, Belinda Chatterton says: "If you want that effortless, chic look that no mascara gives you, it’s best to pair it with beautifully glowing skin. We used to rely on mascara to look more awake but the same effect can be achieved with a beautiful glowy base."

Chatterton advises to, "Spend a little bit more time on your skin prep before you do your makeup and try not to use too many powders in your routine for the perfect canvas to complement this more natural look."

Try a pop of colour: Chatterton says blush can also be very transformative to this look: "My favourite way to wear no mascara is with a pop of colour on the cheeks, tinted lip balm, and a fluffy brow."

Add eyeshadow: "A sweep of eyeshadow around the eyes can really help to give you that definition as well," says Chatterton, before adding to, "choose a nude colour that is one shade darker than your skin tone and blend well."

A lash curler is your best friend: "A good eyelash curler is important in every makeup routine but especially this one! I like to curl my lashes and then set them in place with a clear mascara to really open up my eyes."

If you're not looking to completely skip mascara, instead opt for a brown, or a mascara with a thin wand, to apply just a wash of colour - rather than building length and volume. The ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara is a great choice for this, as it comes with a double-sided comb brush to evenly coat each lash.

Who should wear the no mascara trend

This au naturel look of course suits everyone and especially those who already favour a parred-down look. If you have very sensitive eyes or sparse and short lashes, you might also enjoy taking a break from lash-accentuating products - though there are some great mascaras for short lashes out there.

Chatterton adds: "This trend looks amazing on everyone but is especially good if you have sparse lashes, watery eyes or allergies."

Whether you're looking to boost the length of your eyelashes or encourage your favourite mascara to last even longer, without any smudging or flaking in sight, let us introduce you to the best lash primers.

Like how makeup primers can enhance the wear and finish of your foundation, adding this extra step before applying your best mascaras can make all the difference to their longevity and overall hold. And while they might initially seem a tad unnecessary, their clever formulas can actually help to combat several lash-related concerns. A lash primer creates an almost-sticky base layer for your favourite volumising mascara to grip onto, helping to prevent smudging and flaking. They can also add even more length (an ideal buy for those with short lashes), help the hairs better hold a curl and deliver a fuller, fanned out finish to rival false lashes.

With so many options on the market and available in an array of colourful hues, we've set out to pinpoint and refine the very best buys. Enter our beauty editor's curated list of eight best eyelash primers, all tried, tested and thoroughly reviewed.

The best lash primer deals

The 8 best lash primers, reviewed by our beauty editor

How we tested the best lash primers

Being totally truthful, an eyelash primer isn't something our beauty team has used since the double-ended mascara days of the '00s, so we had to refresh our memories a little. To compile a reliable guide to the best lash primers, we tested a selection of products from a range of price points – from high-street to high-end. Each one was worn for an entire day so that we could visually assess their full results and performance, including longevity and smudging.

Then for the visibility underneath mascara, we also took notes of the results in an array of different lighting, including inside artificial light and outside in the daylight. Almost all are designed to be topped with mascara, and to keep things fair, we made sure this was the same one every time (one of the best Lancôme mascaras, to be exact). To make our list, these are the boxes our best lash primers had to tick:

• Clumping: Getting your mascara to go on smoothly can be difficult enough at the best of times – especially when you’re nearing the end of the tube. A good lash primer won’t add any bobbles or bumps into the mix.
• Ease of application: A lash primer should be easy to brush on so as not to take up too much time in your routine.
• Visibility: No one wants to see the white colour of a lash primer frosting your lashes throughout the day. They’re designed to be heard but not seen.
• Volume or length: An eyelash primer is an extra step in your routine, so to earn its place in your makeup bag it needs to be delivering on its promises. Each lash primer featured here made a visible difference in how full and long our lashes looked.

How to choose the best lash primer

Spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the best lash primer? These are the factors that we recommend basing your decision on.

• Price: Price is always important. If you’re not convinced you need a lash primer, try a cheaper option and see how you get on with it. If you like the concept but feel the formula or finish could be improved, you can always upgrade to a fancier one.
• Formula: A good lash primer will apply smoothly and cling to your lashes like a koala to “build the bulk in lashes to either add length or volume,” according to makeup artist Ruby Hammer MBE. If it doesn’t have enough grip or fibres within the formulation, it won’t do either.
• Ingredients: Some lash primers have the added benefit of conditioning ingredients, such as castor oil, jojoba oil and vitamins E and B5, that can work to strengthen, hydrates and thicken your natural lashes. A welcome addition if you’re committed to the health of your lashes or worried about them becoming brittle. They won't make as much of an impact as a dedicated lash serum though, so don't get too hung up on whether they have them or not.
• Can it be worn without mascara? “Many primers have a white colouring to them, so then you need the mascara to coat the lashes in either black/brown depending on your choice, otherwise you look like you have lash dandruff,” says Hammer. Some are brown though, which means you could technically wear them without mascara for a more natural look.

Your lash primer questions, answered

What is the best lash primer?

Naturally, when it comes to picking the best of anything, it depends solely upon your own personal preferences, needs and opinions - and it's no different for lash primers. That said, we've curated an edit of some of the best formulas on the market, each targeted to suit an array of lash wants and needs.

We deem Maybelline's Sky High Lash Sensational Tinted Primer the best overall buy, thanks to its ability to unlock longer, fuller-looking lashes alongside nourishing benefits, too. However, for those looking to target a specific lash concern, such as wanting to add some oomph to their lashes, we declared Max Factor's False Lash Effect Primer the best for boosting volume, while Morphe's The Big Prime Lash Primer is our best for lengthening.

How do lash primers work?

Lash primers are designed to be applied before mascara, working to enhance the appearance of your lashes and boost the results of your subsequent mascara. It works by coating the natural lashes to creates a perfect base for the mascara to stick to. Much like mascara, they can do an array of jobs including lengthening, volumising and giving the eyelashes a generally fuller appearance – while also helping to prevent your mascara from smudging. Although lash primers used to be typically white in hue, there are now many buys available on the market that boast a tinted formula.

Do you let lash primer dry before applying mascara?

In order to achieve the best results, you'll need to give your lash primer a chance to dry down a little before applying your first coat of mascara. This will allow you to reap all the benefits of the priming formula without causing the hues of both products to mix – especially if you've opted for a white formula, as you probably don't want this to show up.

Our expert panel

If you're trying to narrow down which of the best Lancôme mascaras to invest in, you've come to the right place. I've layered my lashes in every single formula the brand has to offer and can tell you exactly which to shop for lift, lengthening or a subtle everyday tint.

Known for creating some of the best mascaras of all time, Lancôme is a safe bet for those in search of an effective lash product. The French brand has quite a reputation for not just their quality, but also the sheer variety available. We're not merely just talking about the array of formulas here (like waterproof and volumising), but also the shades and brush shapes. That said, with so much choice, it can be difficult to know exactly which mascara will best suit your taste.

Thus, I've done the lash legwork for you, so to speak, and tried every single Lancôme mascara. These are the six I deemed the best of the best, whether you’re seeking the best volumising mascara or the best mascara for short lashes...

The 6 best Lancôme mascaras, tried and loved by our senior beauty editor

If long, dramatic lashes are the goal or you're looking for a great all-rounder for everyday wear, I've got you covered, having thoroughly tested every formula the brand has on offer. These are the six that are worth investing in, as my lashes can attest in each and every picture...

How to choose the best Lancôme mascara for you

If you're unsure of how to choose just one from Lancôme's line-up of mascaras, it's best to first consider the effect and finish you're looking for. Below, I've outlined what every formula delivers, from dramatic volume to subtle lengthening...

• If you want a brilliant all-rounder, try Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
• If you have straight eyelashes, buy Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
• If you want dramatic volume, try Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
• If you want a natural-looking mascara, try Lancôme Défincils High Definition Mascara
• If you want a mascara that can create multiple lash looks, buy Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara
• If you're looking for a fanned-out, open-eyed look, try Lancôme Hypnose Doll Eyes Volumising Mascara

How I tested the best Lancôme mascaras

Picking the best Lancôme mascara was a thoroughly fun experience - I’m now a real convert to the brand. I received all of the brands' mascaras and tested each one over the course of a few weeks.

To make testing fair to each option, I tried each one a couple of times, to make sure I had given each product the full experience of wear - this means I started to like some formulas a lot more (and some, a lot less). I also didn't use the best eyelash curlers with any of these mascaras, to see how they performed on their own.

The main points I focused on were:

• Ease of application
• Wand shape
• Comfortability of wear
• Longevity
• Effort of removal

Just a quick note to finish - a big thing I noticed was that not many of the Lancôme mascaras are available in brown, which is something to note if you prefer a natural-looking, best brown mascara. If you tend to stick to black tones, though, that shouldn't be too off-putting.