Naked Science Series 3

Lash Lengthening Mascaras

Mascaras have been around since the 19th century and they’re one item of make-up you ladies can’t live without. Early mascaras were made from coal dust mixed with petroleum jelly (Nice!), but nowadays ingredients include wax (normally beeswax and carnauba) to fortify every hair, water, wax thickeners, film-formers and preservatives. The black pigment sets the stage for intense dramatic eyes.

The brushes can be straight or curved to curl the eyelashes, and many believe that a bent wand applicator acts as a built-in lash curler. The desired lengthening effect is achieved by using mascaras that contain rayon or nylon fibres. These can give lashes a fuller and longer appearance because it clings to the lashes like mini extensions. Some mascaras contain Pro–vitamin B5, which acts as a conditioner for lashes, giving them a softer and more natural feel.

But ladies beware — with so many companies getting into trouble for using falsies and a bit of airbrush magic in their ad campaigns, it’s best not to get sucked into those great claims.

So, are these lash lengthening mascaras worth all the fuss? Well, Gok’s girls aren't quite ready to bin their false eyelashes just yet... sounds like the scientists still have to get cracking and tweak their formulae!

Find out what they thought in our Naked Truth Poll.