YSL Lash Clash Mascara

Va-va-va-va-va-VOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

So: here is a properly false lash, volumising mascara for people who don't get on with most volumising mascaras – but really want to. (Like Jo, and a couple of other people we know who've switched to this mascara.) People with skinny, sparse lashes often get better results, we've found, from a grippy rubber wand – but YSL Lash Clash Mascara somehow also manages to grip (rather than just skates off the surface), coats well and adds instant but buildable, ultra-black wow.

It really DOES build, but without being cake-y. In fact, we thought we'd share YSL's five-step how-to. (Though please rest assured: one coat's epic in its own right, and that's generally all we've got time for.)

1. SWEEP: Start applying the mascara at the root of the lash and sweep the wand upwards, separating your lashes as you go.

2. LIFT: Apply the second layer by holding the mascara at the root of the lashes; wiggle the mascara brush and lift to your lash tip.

3. ZIG-ZAG UP: For the third coat, apply to your lashes and zig-zag upwards.

4. ZAG-ZAG DOWN: For the fourth coat, apply on top of your lashes and sweep the mascara wand upwards for massive impact.

5. FLICK: Flick the brush through the lashes to separate each lash. On the inner and bottom lashes, use just the tip of the brush.

It's incredibly budge-proof. Not a speck. Not a smudge, all day long. Actually needs a jolly effective make-up remover to get it off, at night. (They promise 24-hour wear. We like to be in bed by 9 and have never gone to bed in our mascara in living memory, because we're beauty editors AND WE KNOW BETTER.)

Very glam packaging, meanwhile. That hasn't swayed us, but it does feel like a bit of designer luxury in your kit-bag. Nice bonus.

£29 – buy here

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