We test three tube mascaras in all price ranges – one gives a great lift

Searches for tube mascara on GOOGLE are increasing as we all look for a formula that is long-lasting, smudge-proof, and easy to wash off at the end of the day.

This week I put three of them to the test.

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Budget

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Elf Cosmetics Lash XTNDR Mascara, £7 for 9.2g, elfcosmetics.co.uk: I’ve never seen a tube mascara in a color other than black before, so I was very happy when Elf released a charcoal and brown shade.

The brush was also pretty much identical to the two more expensive options, but I did find the formula to be a little clumpy, requiring me to spend some time separating my lashes after application.

Other than that I have no complaints. It doesn’t smudge or flake and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes.

A great budget option.

Mid range

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Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Tubing Mascara, £11.99 for 12ml, boots.com: I had never tried Soap & Glory makeup before because the plumping gloss had me in an iron grip as a teenager, so I had no idea what to expect.

It instantly made my lashes look longer and, more importantly, it kept the curl (which I normally need waterproof mascara for, since my lashes are always straight).

I tried it without an eyelash curler and it still gives the same lift.

So much so, that I’ve received more compliments than I can count on one hand.

This one is a little trickier to remove than the others, but it’s worth it – this is my new favorite!

Luxury

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Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, £31 for 10g, cultbeauty.co.uk: Hourglass might just be my favorite luxury makeup brand and I’ve been using this tube mascara on and off for years.

The formula is quite wet (but then again most tube mascaras are) so it takes a while to get used to it, but I’ve never seen a mascara that is so easy to remove at the end of the day.

All you need is warm water and your finger to remove any residue, so it’s a great, low-maintenance option that lengthens and separates lashes.

But since its launch four years ago, budget brands have been catching up.

Choice of the week

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ANOTHER makeup product that I can’t live without in the summer (and most of the year) is setting powder. There’s nothing better for combating shine and making makeup last longer.

The new Beauty True To Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder, £30, is the best I’ve tried in a long time. It’s non-sticky and doesn’t cling to dry patches and creases, but leaves skin looking flawless.

Kudos to founder and owner Selena Gomez for creating this!

Buy now at Spacenk.com.