False lashes have been on the rise for the last few years, with more and more beauty-lovers incorporating them into their daily routine. That’s right – the false-lash effect is no longer reserved for nights-out, it’s been slowly trickling its way into everyday wear for some of us. The effect can be game-changing; whether worn alone or paired with a dramatic smokey eye. That said, some of us (including me!) don’t have the time or are just too lazy to deal with the complications of lash glue, tweezers and multiple fails on a daily basis – but, that doesn’t mean we have to go without. False lash mascaras mean that we mimic the effect of applying false lashes minus all the fuss!
With today’s high-tech mascara formulas your lashes can look thicker, darker and curlier without having to struggle with fake lashes. Of course, no mascara is going to be able to add new lashes like a pair of falsies can, but ones that include fibres, expanding ingredients and tubing technologies can get close.
1. The Volumising False Lash Mascara
Mascara: DIOR Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Mascara
Why it’s good for creating a false-lash effect: you’re able to ‘warm’ the formula to make it easier to work with and the consistency is thick so it adds lots of volume.
Wand: the rubber bristles trap a lot of the product between them, so you should be able to achieve the desired effect after just one application.
Longevity: I tested this one on an evening out, there was no smudging or flaking or fading throughout the whole evening.
Special features in addition to offering a false-lash effect:
• Dual-material wiper inside the rim of the tube loads the brush with just the right amount of product for clump-free, excess-free lashes but doesn’t compromise on volume.
• 24 hour staying power.
• Squeezy tube to warm the mascara before application.
Diorshow mascaras have an iconic status and that’s probably why you’ll find them on most ‘best mascara’ lists. This is because Dior knows how to do mascaras well, just ask any beauty editor or influencer. The difference with this Diorshow mascara and those that have previously been released is the rubber tube that can be squeezed (rather like a stress ball!) to move the product around in the tube and helps to ‘warm’ the formula so it’s easier to apply.
When I first applied this I was shocked at how much volume and length it applies from the get-go – no need to apply a second coat, unless of course you are going for a heavy false-lash effect, and in that case, go right ahead! I love the bold effect it provides and this will be the mascara I will always rely on for a night out from here on in. I wonder if I can convince my false-lash loving friends, too?
2. The Lengthening False Lash Mascara
Mascara: Lancome Monsieur Big Volume Mascara
Why it’s good for creating a false-lash effect: the big brush allows you to create incredible length and volume while the formula has a black intensity that mimics a false lash.
Wand: a smart curved brush that has bulk reservoirs that encapsulate the formula and distributes it evenly through the lashes for false lash effect minus the clumps.
Longevity: it smudged a little after eight hours of wear.
Special features in addition to offering a false-lash effect:
• 12 times more volume than regular mascara.
• Special brush that will evenly coat lashes.
• Long-lasting results that won’t flake or smudge throughout the day or night.
If you don’t like wearing falsies but love the effect they give, this is the mascara for you. What I love about it the most is that it gives a false lash effect and an abundance of length and volume but without and clumpiness or flaking or smudging.
This mascara is for those who love a traditional false lash effect because it made my lashes look thicker, fluttery but also dramatic. The best part? Someone actually asked me if I was wearing false lashes when I wore this and that makes it a winner!
3. The Defining False Lash Mascara
Mascara: Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara
Why it’s good for creating a false-lash effect: You’re able to build this lightweight formula to your heart’s content!
Wand: a long plastic bristle brush that has a lot of flexibility to it, making it ideal to reach those inner corners, get in right at the roots of your lashes and also coat the bottom lashes with ease.
Longevity: impressive – it looked it exactly the same at the end of a working day as it did when I applied it at 7 am.
Special features in addition to offering a false-lash effect:
• The formula is enriched with aero-particles – one of the lightest known materials derived from space technology to give volume and longevity.
• Longwear (up to 36 hours)
• Smudge-proof
• Water-resistant
I remember when Benefit first launched this mascara, it was before I worked for Escentual and as an occasional blogger back in the day, I was invited to the launch party. I remember being amazed at this mascara back then, and as a result, it’s a staple I always go back to.
What makes BADgal BANG! different to other mascaras is the way it feels on the lashes after you’ve applied it, you can load up the layers and unlike other volumising mascaras that can make your lashes feel weighed-down and heavy after two coats. Benefit’s innovative offering feels lightweight and lashes never have that ‘crusty’ feeling.
The before and afters speak for themselves with this mascara. We’re talking a powerhouse of volume, length, lift and curl that lasts all day and night and it comes in a mini version, too!
Tips for applying mascara to create false lash effect
1. Always start off with using an eyelash curler to curl your lashes (and if you have time, heat it with a hairdryer first). Start at the base of your lashes and press then move gradually upwards, pulsing the curler as you go.
2. Start with a primer to add extra volume to your lashes.
3. When applying your mascara keep your eye closed. This way the liquid coats the eyelashes more evenly from the bottom to the top and prevents build-up of the product, creating the effect of fuller, longer lashes. It takes a while to master this trick but once you’ve done that you’ll see the effects! (Try pulling your eyelid taught while applying).
