Which mascara?

[PrettyCandles]

I haven't worn mascara in, well, decades! But my eyelashes are looking sparse, and I want to try to make them look a bit better. I don't wear make-up, but I think a little mascara on its own should look OK?

What should I get? I have brown hair and eyes, and pale skin that flushes easily.

hypnose

As above
Lancome Hypnose.
Expensive but it does build and doesn't clump.
I have used it for ages now.

OMG the price!

Is it really that good?

There seem to be several different sorts - which should I get?

Is there no cheaper-but-still-fabulous mascara to ease me into make-up?

I have Max Factor False Lash effect. It's pretty good. I prefer Diorshow, if I'm honest, but Max Factor is a cheaper alternative.

MAx Factor Masterpiece is great for everyday use. Nicely defines and separates, lasts well and costs about a tenner

I love BADGAL by benefit

i have both the black and the plum

The plum I use everyday, since I feel to old for lots of black mascara, keep the black for evenings out.

too old not to old. bah!

I agree that Lancome make the best mascara, just gorgeous, but good old Rimmel is pretty good too.

Clinique curling one - it does not come off. About £15 though.

I use Diorshow Iconic Extreme, its a little pricey perhaps but its fabulous.

What colour should I use?

(I know these questions sound ridiculous coming from a 44yo woman, but the last time I wore make-up was in the early 90s, when we were laying it on inches-thick and in all sorts of mad colours!)

I like black but if you want to be more subtle then definitely go for Brown/Black.

mac fibre rich lash, mac zoom lash and clinique lash doubling mascara

I use Diorshow in black and I have similar colouring.

If you can dig out an old mascara or persuade someone else to hand one over, then you could try clinique for free before spending lots

Another vote for max factor false effect (though mine smells like acetone after a few weeks of use)
Clinique long wearing does the trick for when you are up a mountain.

I work on a cosmetics floor and "do" make overs and skin care for a living. I don't work for lancome. But I wear lancome mascara (hypnoise) and so do most other girls on other depts. It is the best. They launched the new spring colours this weekend a do a beautiful plum hypnoise, it also has a beautiful top coat that is sparkly that looks amazing when it catches the light. Plum is good if you don't want to wear black. Brown looks very natural. I love black though. At the nonentities they have 2 mascaras for 20 odd quid. Great deal. I would recommend having a conceltation on te counter. There free and there is no need to buy. They will look at your skin and give you pointers. I'm honest with my clients and tell them what's worth paying a but more for and what they can get cheaper and what Not to bother with.

At the Moment I mean ?!?

Are you wanting a thicker lash effect? Or colour to make them stand out more? If just colour I would advise looking into getting them coloured rather then using mascara everyday.

I use Diorshow when I'm feeling flush, but can't fault Max Factor either.

Max Factor Masterpiece for me.

Highly recommend Blinc.

The lash primer allows you build up your lashes to whatever thickness you want and then you add the mascara. And it only comes off with water and pressure so it really does stay put.

You can buy a sample from their website which is a good way to check it out.

I'm a total convert since someone recommended it on Mumsnet.

I've used Blink before which is fab (great if you suffer from smudging). I now use Estee Lauder double wear which is very similar only comes off with water and can build up thickness.

Hypnose vote here too. The Hypnose Precious Cells has actually made my lashes grow a bit too, having used it for a few months. All the Lancome mascaras I have tried have been good, Definicils, and the one that vibrates. The Hypnose Drama wasn't quite as good though, I didn't like the brush as much.

I have used Hypnose and other Lancome mascaras - the best. Avoid the YSL one (gold tube) - v popular but the liquid seems to dry out quickly and so you will have to dilute with water to get use out of it. Also avoid Armani Eyes to Kill. Biggest waste of money ever. I cried after using it as it was so crap and a waste of 23 quid (pg hormones).