Beauty: Mascara

1 Blinking beautiful Lash Extension Effect HHH £10.99, Max Factor, at Boots. The extra-long wand may seem a little unwieldy at first, but it's actually quite useful when it comes to coating your shorter lashes. Although there doesn't seem to be much product on the actual brush, the result of one application is still super-long, very natural-looking lashes, with no clots.

2 The eyes have it High Length Mascara HHH 14.50, Clinique, at Boots and department stores. Don't be fooled by the stumpy little brush – its curved design helps give surprisingly good results with just one application. Attempt more than one coat, though, and eyelashes tend to clump together.

3 Those lyin' eyes Big Fake False Lash Effect Mascara HH 4.99, Collection 2000, at Superdrug. Our tester felt that the application brush was too big, making it difficult to apply the mascara properly. As a result, she found it hard to build up any lash-length.

4 Luscious lashes Extreme Volume Mascara HHHH 8, Natio, at Debenhams (www.debenhams.com). This has a lovely brush – not too big and unwieldy. With no clumpy and decent coverage, the mascara works for everyday wear but doesn't create Bambi-like lashes.

5 Sultry looks Faux Cills Mascara HHHH 31, Chantecaille, at Space NK (www.spacenk.com). This is a good choice if you want enormous, thick, dramatic lashes in a flash. The brush is laden with product, though, so make sure you don't overload the lashes. It's a bit much for daytime wear, and the brush doesn't offer the kind of precision needed for lower lashes.

6 Eye spy Volume & Length Mascara HH 3, at Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com). A good size of brush lets you work lashes from the root, but doesn't help fulfil its promise. There was no noticeable increase in volume or length, leaving eyes looking virtually naked – except for a subtle shimmer of turquoise – it's redeeming quality.

7 Take a closer look Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara H 18, Nars (www.narscosmetics.co.uk). Despite its really big brush, this mascara failed to deliver. Forget exagerated lashes, the tester could barely tell she had mascara on. It's only plus point is being suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lenses.

This article was originally published in Scotland on Sunday on 28 February 2010