By Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini; photograph by James Garaghty
You never have to wear fake lashes again…
For those of us who weren’t born with giant doe-eyes like Zooey Deschanel, lash-lengthening mascaras come in super-handy. These small beauty tools pack a massive punch.
Got hooded eyes? Brush a lengthening mascara onto your top lashes only. The extra length can offset eyelid droopiness. Deep-set peppers? Swipe on a volumising mascara and go a little heavier on the centre lashes to make your eyes appear more pronounced.
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What if your eyes are close-set? Fanned-out lashes create the illusion of space and width. Add an extra coat to the outer corners to make your eyes appear farther apart. And there’s a fix for small eyes too. Applying a light coat to your lower lashes fakes a wide-open, doe-eyed effect.
Here are our pick of the top lash-lengthening mascaras. Find your specific eye issue, match a mascara to the tips above… and bat your look right out of the park.
1. Smith & Cult Lash Dance Mascara (R536)
Get maxed-out lashes with this cult favourite. The innovative silicone brush is engineered to provide each lash with an even dose of the creamy, buildable formula, amplifying volume and length without flaking. Available at QuintessentiallyYours.
2. Essence Lash Princess Mascara (R70)
Strapped for cash? Essence really does offer the best mascaras for minimal cost. Seriously, these guys are just as good as any high-end lash enhancer. Available at Clicks.
3. Lancôme Hypnôse Volume-A-Porter Mascara (R420)
Introducing the LBD for lashes. Think seductive volume, striking length and intense black colour, which lasts all night long. Available at Edgars.
4. Revlon Super Length Mascara (R128)
This mascara glides on easily and builds quickly for a beautiful, extended lash look. The Lash Stretch Brush has long bristles designed to deliver plush length. We like! Available at Clicks.
5. Yardley Volume Lash Mascara (R109)
Slide on this gorgeous mascara for lashes that are full and bold. Available at Foschini.
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6. Avon Big False Lash Volume Mascara (R140)
This mascara gets right down to the root of your lash line and fills them in from the corners to lower lashes, making it literally the easiest “false” look to achieve. Check out at Avon.
7. Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara (R295)
A long-wear, water-resistant formula that effortlessly coats lashes to separate, extend and intensify their appearance. Available at Woolworths.
8. L’Oreal False Lash Superstar Xfiber Mascara (R159)
This awesome mascara has a volumising black primer that thickens lashes while lengthening fibres. Dramatic look achieved. Available at Takealot.
9. Rimmel Volume Shake Mascara (R160)
Clump-free volume? It is possible with a shaker system that refreshes your mascara to prevent it from drying out. Best part? The volume-defining brush gives maximum lash separation from corner to corner. Available at Foschini.
10. Maybelline Colossal Big Shots Volum’Express Mascara (R140)
Full, long lashes in one coat. Yip, this is the “big shot” of lengthening mascaras. The brush features unique, wavy bristles that cradle lashes, while the collagen formula delivers bold volume. Available at Foschini.
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