Beauty Clinic: Melt-proof mascara
Q. I’m in my fifties, work in a warm environment and am also having hot flushes! I need a mascara that doesn’t melt on my face. I have tried several kinds but no luck so I now have lots of mascaras. Help please... A. Every woman who has ever had panda eyes will sympathise with your plight. But, hopefully, we can help. In the latest edition of our book The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible, we give the four award-winning waterproof mascaras – out of three dozen entrants – that survived our panels’ rigorous testing.
Two things: the products that promised curl and length did better than volumising ones. And be warned: you may need specialist waterproof eye-make-up remover to get them off...
In first place was Paul & Joe Waterproof Mascara, which romped home first with an average 8.6/10 marks. Testers universally loved the wand, the finish, the curling effect and the endurance of this mascara. Comments included: ‘WOW – this stuff doesn't budge! I didn't have a trace of a smear after a long, hot shower; gave great length, curl and thickness’; ‘a mascara that stays put through hell and high water!’ ; ‘Truly waterproof – the mascara I’ve been looking for over 40 years’.
The three close followers are:
• Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula
Originally created for the ultra-humid conditions in Asia, you only need warm water to remove this. In Black Onyx and Dark Chocolate. Comments include: ‘a great mascara which survived a Body Jam class! Still not a good look with a bright red face, though…!
• Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
Jo’s long term favourite, which survives her daily summer dips in the Channel without a smudge. Four shades: Noir, Bronze, Navy and Emeraude (though to be honest, we don't really recommend coloured mascaras). Comments include: ‘Really great performing mascara – and not a smudge to be seen after a shower of weepy movie’ ; ‘especially good on bottom lashes, made them significantly thicker without glooping together – and I could cut onions with no problem’.
• Estée Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara
This promises thickening and definition, and contains a special soft flex polymer to prevent brittleness. In Black and Brown. Comments included: ‘We should all have this tucked away for holidays, weepy movies etc – the best I have ever used’.
Do let us know how you get on...
• Paul & Joe Waterproof Mascara, £19
• Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula/£15 - buy here
• Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara/£24 - buy here
• Estée Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara/£20 - buy here