Long before it became a staple, mascara was alchemy – charcoal, oils, and careful hands. In ancient Egypt, kohl-rimmed eyes weren’t just for beauty but for protection, warding off spirits and the sun’s glare. The Romans and Greeks darkened their lashes with soot, believing it signified vitality. Even in the Victorian era, women mixed their own formulas from ash and elderberry juice. We’ve come a long way from soot and salves, but the intent remains: to open the eyes, and say something without speaking.
Mascara is personal. Some want volume, others length. Then there are those of us who just want to look like we slept eight hours. From tubing formulas that never smudge to classic lengtheners that go the distance, these are the mascaras the RUSSH editors come back to – tried, tested, and forever in the lashes of memory.
1. Armani Eyes To Kill Classico Mascara
I love this mascara because it helps to lift my very straight eyelashes so I actually get a bit of curl to them. It adds lots of volume too which is great.
Loved by: Mia Steiber, Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
2. BYREDO Astronomical Volume Mascara Deep Black
As you can imagine I’ve tried a lot of mascaras over the years, but they’re not all created equal. My all time favourite is Byredo Astronomical Volume Mascara — I love the plastic wand, and the formula is almost like a gel so it’s really buildable. And it never smudges.
Loved by: Emily Algar, Beauty Editor
3. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
I’ve always loved mascara and it’s been my ‘deserted on an island’ product many a time. If you asked me what the best drugstore mascara is I’d tell you to immediately go and buy this mascara from Maybelline. I have it in very black and brown (there’s also a burgundy shade too – which would be stunning for green and hazel eyes).
Loved by: Stacey Gaskin, Consumer Revenue Manager
4. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
I’m a loyal devotee of the Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara. It’s perfectly placed for lifted, lengthened lashes, and barely moves all day. It’s also a tubing formulation, which means it comes off with warm water – no smudging in sight.
Loved by: Kirsty Thatcher, Digital Editor
5. Armani Beauty Vertigo Lift Mascara
I love Mascara, it is literally the only product I must wear every single day. I look like a little sleepy rat without it! My go to is the Armani Beauty Vertigo Lift Mascara.
Loved by: Olivia Repaci, Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager
6. Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Mascara Brown
I don’t wear mascara everyday, but on the rare occasions when I do, I love to wear brown. Black can be fun but so much harder to deal with the morning after. YSL’s Lash Clash is my current favourite.
Loved by: Alys Hale, Music Editor and Creative Producer
I am a big fan of brown mascara too, the YSL Lash Clash is amazing in terms of length, and I love the rich chocolate-y hue.
Also loved by: Emily Algar, Beauty Editor
7. M.A.C Extended Play Gigablack Lash
Back in my makeup artist days at MAC, I religiously used M.A.C Cosmetics Extended Play Giga Black Lash and it’s still a top player to this day. It’s very long wearing and I love the slim brush for precise application.
Loved by: Stacey Gaskin, Consumer Revenue Manager
8. By Terry Mascara Terrybly
I’ve started playing with different shades, and have found heaven in this By Terry blue mascara! Since it’s the only thing I wear every day, I’m learning to play around with tone.
Loved by: Olivia Repaci, Creative Studio and Campaigns Manager
9. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
For long fluffy lashes it’s Kevyn Aucoin’s The Volume Mascara.
Loved by: Emily Algar, Beauty Editor
10. Inika Organic Long Lash Mascara
This one makes the list because the brush is beautifully thin. It means you can get right to the base of your lashes without smudging mascara all over your lids. And the formula has a good amount of hold.
Loved by: Mia Steiber, Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
11. Lancôme Lash Idole Mascara
I’ve loved this mascara for years. The shape of the wand fits my eyes perfectly – no mess here! The colour is such a deep black and the curling effects I get without a lash curler are great.
Loved by: Stacey Gaskin, Consumer Revenue Manager
12. Sisley So Curl No. 1 Mascara
I love this mascara because the formula is quite tacky, so it helps to lift and hold your lashes in place all day. They don’t just immediately drop down after you’ve applied one coat. The brush is a unique shape that allows you to coat every lash.
Loved by: Mia Steiber, Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
