Mascara

Mascara never works well when it is new. A few weeks in and it definitely works well. I usually use l'Oreal

Thanks, Farawaynanny. I have tried navy and agree it's better than brown. Still looking for grey, though. Black doesn't suit everyone, especially as we age and our colouring is gentler. You'd think manufacturers would realise that we're a sizeable market by now.

On a slightly different topic, have any of you had your eyelashes tinted? If so, were you pleased with the results and how long did the colour last?.

I disagree- I always wear Benefit 'They're Real' black mascara.
It is £25 but lasts for ages & never moves once on until you remove it. I get hayfever all year round & my eyes water every morning. This mascara is not moved by it at all. I wear it in beach too & swimming doesn't shift it. It comes off very well with a good eye makeup remover at the end of the day though.
I dread the day they may stop making it.

Bare minerals, Liz Earle, and most cosmetics sold in M & S are cruelty free.

It's easy to check with the "Bunny Free" app which is free to download.

Boots and Aldis are cruelty free, so..

Agree Yaya

Excellent post Yaya

I've discovered the Look Fabulous Forever range of makeup for older women and love it all. Their waterproof mascara is excellent with a brush that allows the mascara to go on gently so you can easily build it up without it clumping. I also have watery eyes and this never smudges yet comes off easily with simple cleansing cream.

Thank you grannyjo5, I will certainly give Boots No. 7 stay perfect a go, if it removes with a cotton pad and water that's perfect for me. For the last year I have resorted to just eyeliner that removes with warm water, as anything else makes my dry eyes so sorry. Thanks again.

Well.........to all of you not using cruelty-free cosmetics I would ask you to pause a moment and ponder whether or not your eyelashes and how they look are worth the poisoning and blinding of imprisoned rabbits (and other powerless creatures) whose whole "purpose" is to be abused and then destroyed. There are many mascaras and other cosmetics that are cruelty- free (although you will not find them in China) - NK Space has a gorgeous array of vegan make-up as do many other companies - apparently even Sainsburys has - or soon will hae - a line of vegan cosmetics. If your vanity is engendered by cruelty and denial you will never be beautiful no matter how much mascara you put on.

Am I the only one who always wipes the excess off the brush before applying? I'm sure I must throw most of the contents away, total waste of money, but if I don't wipe the brush first then I look like a clown.

I use Smashbox lash primer before putting on mascara. Looks white but it is clear when it goes on and makes the lashes longer and thicker as the mascara grips on to it. I also use their face primer and that is so nice to use. It can also be used without foundation.

Agree Glammanana. Aldi mascara one of the best I've used. They don't always have it, so the last time it was in stock I bought 3 to keep me going!

I like Benefit Bad Gal Bang as it makes my lashes look thick and long on the day but the next day it is nice and smudgy ( I don’t take it off the night before, just do some tidying up around my eyes )

I've been using Lacura mascara from Aldi for a couple of years now and its been the best I've used for years,and the best priced at £3.99

I use Clinique High Impact Waterproof. I don't like a thick brush either and this has a medium brush and does seem to repel tears/sweat which I shed copiously on occasion!

If you like a thin brush, look at Mac Extended Play Lash. Gets into every crevice, but not waterproof.

Max Factor 2000 Calorie, used it for years, tried others but always go back to it!

I've used Max Factor 2000 calorie, brown/black mascara (not waterproof) for years and I dread the day they discontinue it! I see a lot of very thick, clumpy lashes around. I think it's from that very misleading idea of applying two coats of mascara. One good application is enough.

Just seen your post grannyjo.

Having used Lancôme for many years, I have discovered Boots No7 Stay Perfect Long Lasting Mascara.
It never ever smudges, & is so less expensive than Lancôme.
A winner for me!

Hi Blinko. No7 do a navy mascara which I use as I find black too harsh.

I’m reading this with great interest as I always end up with panda eyes. Think my moisturiser works it way around my eyes and makes it smudge. I use L’Oréal with the tapered brush.

I’ve been using Boots No 7 for years and have always found them great. Occasionally have tried others, especially after reading threads like this one, but have always gone back to No 7. Their “Stay Perfect” is amazing! It never ever smudges and you only need to remove it with water soaked into those flat cotton pads.

Like Blinko black mascara is much too dark for me and makes me look washed out. I don't wear make up every day but like to if I'm going somewhere. I also have "wet" eyes, wind, sun etc., makes my eyes stream so it must be good waterproof mascara, they are all black though! Why can't manufacturers understand that we don't all want black!