For those with short eyelashes, that pretty doll-eyed look can now be achieved with the application of lash extensions or DIY false lashes. But these aren’t for everyone, given the work and cost involved to apply and maintain these falsies. Luckily, there is a slew of new mascaras that promise the same effect. Writer Melissa Chew tests five mascaras, from familiar brands to luxury ones, to suss out the ones worth buying.
Brush design: The slim silicone bristles give just the right combination of grip and glide to coat lashes well from the roots to the tips.
Formula: Coats lashes in slick coats of glossy, deep black lacquer.
Performance: The high gloss formula defines lashes very well and is perfect to set off a matte smoky eye look. The buildable formula took three to four coats to build enough thickness for my lashes. And because I have oilier skin, I had to apply eyeshadow primer before applying eyeshadow and this mascara, to prevent any smudging.
Lash wellness: The formula is enriched with pansy extract, to condition and nourish. It is long-lasting, and offers 12 hours resistance against humidity and heat, and it won’t smudge.
Brush design: The curved, bristled wand is pretty big compared to most other mascara wands, but it works great. The length and curvature of the brush fits my entire lash line so it can catch every lash with each swipe.
Formula: Has a slightly thicker consistency that easily gives lashes that fanned out effect with volume and definition. It does get a bit clumpy with too many swipes, so save your time and money and stick to two or three swipes.
Performance: The waterproof, ultra-volumising formula transforms even the most wimpy lashes, making them look fanned out, full, long and fluttery. It curls and holds up lashes well, even without using an eyelash curler.
Lash wellness: Has cotton nectar, a lash care ingredient to keep lashes nourished, revitalised, stronger and soft.
Brush design: The curved brush has a combination of long bristles to create length and short bristles to add volume. Together, the two bristle lengths hold the perfect amount of formula to give buildable, weightless volume no matter your lash type.
Formula: A weightless, easy-to-build formula that is neither too wet nor dry to coat and build up the volume of one’s lashes.
Performance: This mascara is a great all-rounder. It gives that separated, fanned out falsie effect beautifully. I didn’t experience any smudging or clumping, thanks to the effective combination of the formula and brush.
Lash wellness: Made with conditioners like castor oil so lashes stay soft and comfortable.
Brush design: Has a unique hourglass-shaped brush that combs through lashes smoothly. It deposits the formula evenly, too.
Formula: It features a creamy formula that’s easy to brush onto the lashes. It also coats lashes well from root to tip.
Performance: The mascara feels gentle on lashes and doesn’t flake or smudge (even after a full day), delivering volume, definition and that spread-out lash effect. A great mascara for daily wear.
Lash wellness: 89% ingredients of natural origin with CFT organic virgin coconut oil from Samoa. It is also ophthalmologically-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes
Brush design: A dainty and slim bristled brush that’s suitable for those with shorter, sparser lashes. This brush picks up even the tiniest lashes at the corners.
Formula: The tint is just intense enough to give lashes natural-looking definition with one coat, and the consistency is creamy and easy to spread.
Performance: You don’t get the dramatic effect immediately, although it can be built up beautifully with multiple coats. Great if you want a variety of lash looks, from natural to falsie-like. It’s the most clump-free mascara of the lot, thanks to the lightweight formula and the fine bristles of the wand.
Lash wellness: Added soybean seed extract nourishes and cares for lashes.
Brush design: It’s gentle on lashes, thanks to the soft, flexible elastomer brush with ultra-thin bristles. It manages to coat even the finest lashes at the base of the lash line and as well as near the corners of the eyes.
Formula: Perfect for short sparse lashes, the mascara feels barely there even when three coats are applied for an extra dramatic lash look.
Performance: No signs of wear even after a full day; lashes still look fresh, clump-free and defined. It holds every lash up for that open-eyed effect.
Lash wellness: Has beeswax to fortify and pro-vitamin B5 for its lash-strengthening.
Brush design: This brush has the grippiest, flexible silicone bristles that catch even the smallest, shortest lashes, which other mascara brushes usually cannot.
Formula: Smooth and spreadable, the formula coats lashes well. I love that it feels weightless, even with three coats on.
Performance: The intense, jet black formula adds instant volume and lash definition that looks natural with two coats and can be built up layer by layer to create the false lash effect. It enhances not only your lashes, but your entire eye.
Lash wellness: Contains carnauba wax also known as the ‘Queen of Waxes’ and infused with Kerestore 2.0, a next-generation keratin to strengthen and enhance lashes naturally.
Brush design: The compact, conical shaped brush head with short, fine silicone bristles makes it very comfortable and easy to apply this mascara.
Formula: I love that the formula is lightweight and so easy to apply on my lashes as it glides on well.
Performance: Uses film-forming technology that coats each lash with lightweight micro fibres. This is one high-impact mascara that gives a fanned-out effect that’s smudge-proof. What’s more, the removal is effortless as the tube-like film slides off with warm water.
Lash wellness: The list of ingredients includes shea butter, castor oil and Camellia Japonica Flower Extract which are good for lashes.