Over the years I have tried and tested many different mascaras - different makes, shades, brush shapes, thickening, lengthening... you name it I've tried it. However, this is the mascara that I just keep on coming back to, like a pair of cosy slippers (that's supposed to be a good thing!).

THE PRODUCT
Billed as 'America's favourite mascara' this has a lot to live up to. It is supposed to condition as it thickens, and have a lash-doubling formula which glides on smoothly. It is hypoallergenic and contact lens safe - which is reassuring to know.

The mascara comes in a light pink bottle - an unusual colour choice for a mascara, the market seems to be laden with blacks, blues and reds. The lid on my bottle is green, rather than the black in the dooyoo picture above - I have a waterproof version of the mascara, in the shade very black. The brush applicator is attached to the inside of the lid as usual, and the brush is quite thick and bristley. The mascara is available in 6 shades - all a range of browns, blacks and blues and prices at just over £5 for a bottle, which is a pretty reasonable price.

APPLICATION
The brush with the mascara is straight (although I believe this is available with a curved brush if this is your personal preference) and bristley, which means that it has a large surface area for the mascara to cling to. Therefore, you get a decent amount of product per coat. I apply mainly to my top lashes, working from the root upwards in one stroke. The mascara glides on really easily and the brush works through the lashes with ease too. This ensures that the mascara gives the lashes an even coat - with no troublesome clumps.
The wand is a decent length, although personally I would prefer it a touch longer as I have to angle the brush slightly to get the inner eyelashes.

The mascara does appear to go on a little thinly, but I prefer this as I can layer to suit my look. One coat is enough for a natural look during the day, whereas I can layer 3 coats for a more dramatic, darker evening look. However, I have learned that if I am applying multiple coats it is important to not let the mascara dry between coats as it then doesn't glide on as smoothly and can be hard to apply.

EFFECTS
I find that this mascara curls my lashes nicely and this look holds all day. With the use of an eyelash curler, this look can be even more dramatic, but the mascara does not require the extra curling. It works to define my lashes - rather than clump them together - and the most impressive thing for me is that, however many coats I apply, there really is no clumping. It gives my lashes great volume, I would say this mascara is best at thickening and adding volume rather than lengthening lashes.

The colour is dramatic too, a really rich, dark black. This does draw attention to the eyes, particularly when layered on. The mascara is conditioning too and, whilst I never really think to check my eyelashes are conditioned in the same way I would my hair, they do feel healthy even after I've worn this for a length of time.

I also find that this mascara lasts really well, the look easily lasts all day/night with no touch up required. It also remains smudge free (although I find this is tested in the hayfever season when I am rubbing my eyes and may find a few fragments of mascara have rubbed off). I use the waterproof variety and this seems pretty reliable, although I haven't tested this vigorously, it has stood up to a few tears etc at weddings!

As with most waterproof mascaras, removal can be difficult and take a bit of time. With an oil-based remover though it can be removed relatively quickly and without too much rubbing.

OVERALL
This mascara represents great value for money, at a relatively cheap price. The mascara also lasts well, I have not experienced any drying out of the product in the bottle as I have with some other mascaras. It is easy to apply and gives a good effect too - volumising well with no clumps. Basic, no frills and reliable - good enough for me!