I've Tested Hundreds of Mascaras—These 9 Are All Under £15 and Genuinely Amazing

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Shade options: Black and brown

Waterproof: No

Brush type: Bristle wand

This has become one of Beauty Pie's most raved about products. It's a tubing mascara, meaning that it creates glossy, black tubes around each lash, boosting volume, length and lasting curl hold. These kinds of tubing mascaras wash off with warm water, and don't flake off or smudge like other mascaras do, making them a lot easier to wear and remove (so it's a great mascara for sensitive eyes). For just £10, you really can't go wrong with this.

Shade options: Black and brown

Waterproof: No

Brush type: Plastic wand

L'Oréal Paris does amazing affordable mascaras, and Panorama mascara might be L'Oréal's best mascara one yet. The flexible brush captures every little lash for a fanned-out effect that really makes it look like you just got lash extensions. I like to add two coats for that false lash effect, and when I want things to look a little more subtle, I opt for the brown mascara version instead of black.

Shade options: Black

Waterproof: There is a waterproof version available

Brush type: Plastic wand

As far as Maybelline mascaras go, this one is one of the best. The Firework mascara promises fanned out lashes with its SuperSpark brush that features bristles in a spiral, firework-like pattern. It lengthens and volumises for amazing impact. If you want a dramatic false lash effect, this mascara will do the job with just one coat.

Shade options: Black

Waterproof: No

Brush type: Plastic wand

This is the closest thing you can get to haute couture for your eyelashes. Max Factor's clever mascara wand shape-shifts by twisting the tip, allowing you to change the shape of the brush for either length or volume. The longer shape beautifully lengthens and fans out lashes, while the shorter length dials up volume for a dramatic effect.

Shade options: Black

Waterproof: Yes

Brush type: Plastic wand

I would say, right now, this is my favourite high-street mascara. The length you can achieve is incredible, and while it doesn’t create lots of volume, because it catches the little lashes, it really is an all-round winner. If you struggle to hold a curl with your lashes, try the waterproof version. It holds my lashes up all day long. While the waterproof version comes in black and brown only, you'll find the original formula in multiple shades from burgundy mascara to bright blue.

Shade options: Black

Waterproof: There is a waterproof version available

Brush type: Bristle wand

If it is lift and length that you're after, then it doesn't get better than L'Oréal Paris' new version of its iconic Telescopic Mascara. This one offers a new brush and formula that promises lasting lift throughout the day, giving you long and fluttery lashes. The brush features hooked bristles that lengthen each lash to its full potential, while the flatter side of the brush is ideal for dispensing product at the base of the lashes for a false-lash effect.

Shade options: Extreme black and black brown

Waterproof: There is a waterproof version available

Brush type: Bristle wand

This is the mascara I reach for when I want serious definition. It has an hourglass-shaped brush to grab every lash, and the formula is infused with panthenol to condition your lashes for a smooth finish.

Shade options: Black

Waterproof: No

Brush type: Plastic wand

The small wand of this mascara is perfect for top and bottom lashes, and you can really create lift by getting right to the root of the lash comfortably. I would opt for this one for length rather than volume—it's one of the best lengthening mascaras around.

Shade options: Black

Waterproof: There is a waterproof version available

Brush type: Bristle wand

If curl is your top priority, this is an excellent choice. The curved brush grips your lashes to coat them and give 24-hour hold. I haven’t ever worn it for a full 24 hours, but for a solid 12 hours, it didn’t budge.