An amazing mascara goes the extra mile to add length, volume and definition that lasts (at least through the workday).

After a rigorous three weeks of testing, here are our favourites.

Product photo: Courtesy of Guerlain

Best of the Test: Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Mascara in 01 Noir

What It Does: An “all-in-one” formula that really works to add volume, lengthen and define lashes.

What We Think: This mascara produced the most impact in lengthening, volumising and defining lashes. Its unusually shaped brush took a while to get used to, but once we got the hang of it, we understood its purpose: when held horizontally, the body of the brush creates volume and lengthens lashes. When held vertically, the round tip reaches the inner corners of the eye. We liked how it separated and coated lashes to make them look longer and more defined. And there was no smudging, even after an intense workout.

Product photo: Courtesy of Lancome

Best Lengthening Mascara: Lancome Olympia’s Wonderland Monsieur Big Mascara

What It Does: Lancome describes this as a "volume mascara that delivers instant volume (up to 12x) with up to 24-hour wear."

What We Think: This works really well for lengthening lashes. The wand has a large brush with soft, wavy bristles that delivers just the right amount of the formula so lashes stay separated and defined. We just love the limited edition packaging—the box is printed with Olympia’s Wonderland motifs and comes with a set of fun stickers to decorate your mascara bottle with. 

Photo: Courtesy of Helena Rubinstein

Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Helena Rubinstein Lash CC Carbon Care 

What It Does: A mascara that enhances and protects lashes, making them light as a feather, intensely black, nourished and extended.

What We Think: On the first application, you already notice the difference in this mascara's nourishing formula. The liquid is creamy and lashes feel moisturised, like when using a light, leave-in conditioner for your hair. The lightweight wand works to thicken lashes without clumping, and the mascara comes in a light, handy tube. 

Photo: Courtesy of YSL

Best Volume Mascara: YSL Mascara Vinyl Couture 

What It Does: Intense, super shiny colour for lashes. The patented mascara formula gives lashes length, volume and curl with deep, saturated colour. 

What We Think: The extra-black shade, combined with a rich, creamy formula and a bushy brush, makes lashes look fuller and gives them a high-sheen coating. If you want your lashes to look extremely thick, this is the mascara to go for. 

(Related: Hair Salons To Visit Before Tatler Ball 2017)

Product photo: Courtesy of NARS

Best Defining Mascara: NARS Audacious Mascara 

What It Does: Designed with more than 200 moulded bristles and lengthening hooks, this mascara grips and coats lashes from root to tip while separating, lengthening and amplifying.

What we think: This mascara's specially designed wand really works as described, naturally defining lashes layer by layer. The buildable formula also makes lashes look fuller while separately defining each lash, making it a great everyday mascara.

Product photo: Courtesy of Gucci

Best Volume Mascara: Gucci Intense Volume Mascara

What It Does: Using intensely pigmented black ink, Gucci Intense Volume Mascara coats the lashes to give an intense, defined look.

What We Think: This mascara's rich formula glides on smoothly. And while we had to use more of the product to see a noticeable difference, the new twisted wire brush helps to expertly thicken lashes, making you look like you've got at least 30 percent more, minus the clumping.

Product photo: Courtesy of Givenchy 

Novelty Pick: Givenchy Noir Interdit Another Angle on Mascara

What It Does: Makes lashes longer, thicker and more intensely black using a bendable mascara brush. 

What We Think: First off, we loved this mascara’s lacquered packaging with a ribbon detail similar to Rouge Interdit Lipsticks. The wand is one-sided, made of stiff plastic bristles that are shorter towards the end and longer in the centre. Bending the wand is tricky as it requires you touch the wand and product. We all felt that it wasn’t as effective when bent, either. But when the spherical brush is used straight, it reaches the roots of the lashes and makes them appear longer.

This article first appeared on hk.asiatatler.com.