Tried and tested: mascara

No7 has three new mascaras on offer for the party season — in appropriately festive packaging — one gold, one red and one black.

1. Stay Perfect (€16.50) Long Lasting volume mascara which promises not to budge whatever your day throws at you — but will effortless glide off with just warm water when it has done its job — a good everyday mascara that will look the same at 5pm as it did at 9am.

Some may not be a fan of its thin brush with short bristles — great for lengthening but not so good for volume.

It is slightly drying so more than one coat will make your lashes feel brittle.

2. If you’re looking for something with a bit more drama then look no further than Lash Impact (€17.50). We know packaging isn’t everything, but this glittery red tube is hard to resist. Luckily, it lives up to its promise — maximum impact with no clumps. With a full-bristled brush, it adds instant volume as well as length which you can build up in layers for extra effect — perfect to take you from day to night.

3. The final of No7’s collection is the dramatically-named Midnight Lash (currently €13.50, usually €17.50). No7 say this is their blackest mascara yet — with an intense pigment, black pearl and sapphire. Don’t let the description and the sparkly tube deceive you, there’s no risk of glitter in this densely dark mascara. Midnight Lash comes with a full, curved brush which manages to coat every last lash — less is more with this one though as there is a tendency to clump the more coats you apply. If you like your mascara as black as night this one’s for you.

— Ciara Flaherty

RECESSIONISTA ALERT

If you’re dying for a pre-Christmas root touch-up, but a visit to the salon is out of the question because all your disposable income is going on gifts this month, here’s a handy stop-gap solution.

For just €17 each, a non-permanent Josh Wood Blending Wand (available in seven shades from Marks & Spencer), will cover your grey re-growth and see you through to payday.