This mascara from Clarins is fast moving up my favourites list. Partly, perhaps, because it has a very good short and sturdy wand that I find it very easy to use, but mostly because it gives unbelievable length and separation to the lashes after one quick coat. I’ve tracked down a one-eye-on-one-eye-off photo for you to examine:

(It’s not the clearest photo, but you get the idea. If you want to see the mascara “live in action” then there’s a video at the bottom of the page or you can click here if you’re reading on email.)

The mascara wand itself has a really unusual paddle-like end that at first glance looks slightly odd; but it coats the lashes perfectly and with no unnecessary mess to the eyelid and no clumping. The formula is long-wearing – it doesn’t budge on me until I remove it with some kind of cleansing balm and hot washcloth combo.

In terms of practicality, I like that the tube is square so that it doesn’t roll off the dressing table every five seconds (happens) and I like the chic, understated styling of the packaging. Really, top marks. It’s not quite as favourite-favourite as the Guerlain Maxi-Lash, but it’s en route and it’s not at all badly priced.

Clarins Be Long Mascara is £16.80 at Escentual.com