09-05-2025
‘My favourite mascara that darkens my light lashes is currently 40% off'
Mirror's shopping writer Grace is a big fan of Benefit's mascaras, and her favourite one has been discounted by 40% in a limited-time LookFantastic offer
Mascara is a non-negotiable in my make-up bag. I'm just not one of those people who can skip it and still feel put-together. My lashes are naturally quite fair, especially at the roots, so if I'm not wearing a layer or two, my eyes tend to disappear and the rest of my make-up looks oddly unfinished.
However, that's where Benefit's Bad Gal Bang comes in. A few years ago, it quickly became one of my go-tos for big, fluttery lashes that made my make-up look a bit more complete.
It's now firmly cemented its place in my make-up bag. I dip in and out of trying out new mascaras, but I know I'll always come back to Benefit. And LookFantastic has currently got a major saving on the full-size and mini duo set. Originally priced at £42, the duo is now 40% off and priced at £25. That's less than the price of just the full-size version on its own.
The formula is packed with aero-particles which help create that lengthened, fuller look without weighing lashes down, making it look like you've just had a lash lift (in my opinion).
The compact brush is my favourite style of mascara brush, it's so precise meaning it can get every tiny lash for a fanned-out, non-clumpy finish. It's also smudge-resistant and water-resistant, so it stays in place from your morning commute to a post-work dinner without flaking off.
The best part about this set is that you can get a mini version, which is perfect for chucking in your bag on the go for any top-ups, and also for travel when you need to maximise every last bit of you liquid allowance.
I don't get much smudging below the eyes, but I find I get some blackness on the top of my eyelids where my lashes meet them. This issue is caused by how long the formula makes my lashes, so I can't complain too much, but if this is a problem the waterproof version prevents this completely. And it's currently reduced to £21.60 from £27 at Debenhams.
If you're a fan of tubing mascaras instead, another one of my favourites is Milani's Highly Rate Lash Extensions Mascara, £14 The benefit of a tubing mascara is that there is no flaking or smudging; the product really does stay on all day. Alongside this, when removing the mascara, the tubes slip right off with some warm water.
While our beauty editor, Laura, is a fan of Too Faced's new Ribbon Wrapped Lash Mascara, £28. Laura says: "The formula really did immediately wrap around each lash hair – it almost seemed like a magnet, or a bit like the action of the Dyson Airwrap as it whips the hair around. The result was every hair coated in seconds, with my whole eye done in 3-4 swipes – no going over missed spots – and lashes that were dramatically lengthened and volumised."
