Mascara is the make-up bag essential. It frames your eyes and puts the finishing touch to any look. However nobody likes a gunky, clumpy mascara, especially not one that runs, smudges and leaves you looking like a gothic side-show freak. There are so many types of mascaras on the market, choosing the best one for you can be a tricky task. So, we've narrowed down the search for you and selected our favourite.

Our top 5 lash lovers
1. Best waterproof: Maybelline Great Lash, R69.95
Maybelline sells one of these mascaras every second, and it's been around since 1971. If that doesn't prove it's popularity, then I'm not sure what will. Maybelline Great Lash waterproof mascara is a classic. It doesn't clump, lasts a long time and won't come off easily.

2. Best for volume: Yardley Volume Lash Mascara, R54.95
This mascara contains a conditioning and lash thickening agent which treats your lashes with every application, creating full and dramatic lashes without clumping and flaking. And best of all, it comes at a fabulous price.

3. Best for lasting curls: Lancôme Virtuose Mascara, R260.00
This mascara has a nifty off-centre curled brush, and features a new formula called CurlGuard™ which adds to the curling factor. Aside from being long-lasting, it's smudge-proof and tear-proof, too.

4. Best for super lengthening: L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara, R115.95
Claiming to extend your lashes by 60%, L'Oreal's new Telescopic Mascara contains a flexible multi-comb brush which lengthens and separates, and despite being long-lasting, is easy to remove.

5. Best all-rounder: Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara, R170.00
This mascara is an everyday essential. It contains an innovative, all-in-one formula that lengthens, thickens, and defines – without smearing, smudging or clumping. A nifty little number for your handbag.

A few mascara tips