We compared two everyday black mascaras: the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara and the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara.
What we looked at
Brush and formula, claimed effect, wear time, size, and price.
The verdict
If you want a volumising and thickening mascara with a layer reveal brush for less, the Maybelline Lash Sensational is the pick at £5.99. If you would rather pay £2.72 more for a lengthening, smudge-resistant mascara with a precision comb brush, the L'Oréal Telescopic is the alternative, at £8.71.
A £5.99 9.5ml volumising and thickening mascara in Very Black.
An £8.71 8ml lengthening mascara with a flexible comb.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Volumizing Mascara (Very Black, 9.5ml) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a 9.5ml volumising and thickening mascara in Very Black with a flake-free formula and a Layer Reveal brush for lengthening and defining lashes. The listing bullets give only the contents; the title carries the feature claims. Carries 4.4 stars from 74.2K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the L'Oréal on these listings, at £5.99
- Larger 9.5ml tube
- Flake-free formula per the listing title
- Huge review history (74.2K ratings)
Worth knowing
- Bullets give little detail beyond the title claims
- No stated wear time on the listing
Best for
- Buyers who want volume and thickness
- Anyone who wants the lower price
- Those who want a bigger tube
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want a stated 36-hour wear claim
- Anyone who wants a comb-style brush
L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara (Black, 8ml) — Lengthening Pick
Intended for: Marketed as an 8ml lengthening mascara with a high-precision flexible multi-comb elastomer brush for lash-by-lash application, a smudge-resistant, long-wearing formula with a stated up to 36 hours of wear, and a lengthening claim that the listing title puts at up to 71% and its bullets at up to 60% longer-looking lashes. Carries 4.3 stars from 66.5K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Precise multi-comb brush for lash-by-lash application
- Smudge-resistant formula with stated wear of up to 36 hours
- Stated lengthening effect on the listing
- Very large review history (66.5K ratings)
Worth knowing
- Costs £2.72 more than the Maybelline on these listings
- Smaller 8ml tube than the Maybelline's 9.5ml
Best for
- Buyers who want lengthening and definition
- Anyone who likes a comb-style brush
- Those who want a stated long wear time
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants a thickening volume mascara
