Louise McSharry: Can any of these new mascaras trump my longtime favourite?

As a blonde woman with virtually translucent eyelashes, mascara is the most important beauty product in my life. I’m not saying I look bad without it but it has a genuinely transformative effect when I apply it. As a result, I am somewhat obsessed with it and have been for decades now.

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll probably know that for years now, my number one favourite has been Maybelline Lash Sensational.

Other high-end products have caught my eye at times along the way, but given the fact that mascara needs to be repurchased every few months and that my high street favourite performs so well, nothing has ever replaced it for any amount of time. Lately though, several attractive contenders have arrived on the market in some sort of Mascarapalooza. Let’s discuss.

1. L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara (€16.95 via mccabespharmacy.com)

This super-black mascara delivers length and volume with one coat, but builds beautifully to a truly dramatic effect if that’s what you’re after. The most striking thing about it is the fanned out, doll-like effect it delivers, as well as lifting the lashes beautifully even if they haven’t been curled. It wears well, without any transfer (in my experience, if you have very oily skin or wear heavy skincare around the eyes there will always be an increased risk), and it may very well be my new favourite.

2. Poco Beauty Empower Volume Mascara (€24 via pocobeauty.com)

Poco Beauty is the latest beauty project from OG beauty influencer Pippa O’Connor, who very wisely chose to work with seasoned makeup artist Lisa Shannon when developing this range. As a result, the products are great, including this newly launched mascara which delivers immediate volume with one coat. This is not for the ‘natural lash I just want to tint’ girlies, so keep that in mind.

3. Lash Star Full Control Lash Sculpting Mascara

Developed by NCAD graduate Orla Maguire, this mascara was born out of years on set during a career in the fashion industry. Double-ended with a tightline brush and a curved silicon brush which distributes product perfectly, this is ideal for those with short or blonde lashes, as every lash is grabbed right from the root.

4. Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational Blue Mist/Burgundy Haze Mascara (€17.99 via boots.ie)

Coloured mascara can be a little intimidating but these new shades in an already popular formula are absolutely gorgeous. Burgundy works particularly well on green eyes, as it makes the colour really pop, while blue is an eye-catching look on any eye if you’re brave enough. If going fully blue or burgundy feels like too much, try popping a little just on the tips of your lashes, on top of your regular mascara.

Buying Irish

Lip oils have surged in popularity lately, and Irish brand Kash Beauty is one of the latest to get in on the action. Available in four shades (my favourite is raisin-coloured Hey Honey, Kash Beauty’s Lip Oils (€14.95 via kashbeauty.com) deliver a mild tint along with high shine. These are super comfortable to wear and despite what the name suggests, don’t feel oily at all. Instead, they feel nourishing and balmy, delivering lasting hydration and comfort.

High-shine products make your lips look plumper and when paired with lip liner, you can achieve a polished and modern look which won’t feel sticky or leave lips dry. In short, I’m a fan. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t need to spend more for higher end brands — this will do everything you need.

Something old…

Anyone who’s into beauty wants the same thing — perfectly smooth skin with no discolouration. The reality is, though, that none of us have it. It’s an illusion fed by the beauty industry, photoshop and social media. Despite the fact we all know this on some level, we can’t help striving for it anyway.

Many of us experience unwanted skin discolouration or melasma, caused by increased melanin production (a thing that happens to all of us as we age/have children/get scratched/have ingrown hairs/exist as human beings). Fortunately, this is something which genuinely can be improved.

Exfoliating acids can help and there are now many specifically formulated products on the market. A favourite of mine is Murad’s Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum (€89 via millies.ie). This clinically proven serum reduces discolouration via a blend of acids and ‘patented resorcinol technology’ (antioxidants, essentially).

... Something new

The new kid on the discolouration block comes from La Roche-Posay, whose track record with effective products that won’t break the bank is excellent. This serum was researched and developed over 18 years, resulting in the multi-patented ingredient melasyl, which is designed specifically to decrease the appearance of discolouration and dark spots.

Unlike some ingredients in this area, melasyl is said to respect the individual skin tone of those who use it. Rather than blocking pigmentation, researchers say it magnifies the existing skin tone. The scientists are very excited about this and who am I to argue with science?La Roche-Posay’s MelaB3 Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation is available now for €45 via boots.ie.