This Best-Selling Mascara Is 49 Years Old and Is Still One of the Best

Let's play a game. Can you name the mascara that was released in 1971 and that is bought every three seconds in the U.S.? How about the mascara that lists Kim Kardashian West, Kate Moss, and Meryl Streep as fans?

Okay, time's up. The answer is Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara (£6). While there aren't any prizes available for answering correctly, you do get some divine-looking lashes when you swipe this mascara on. 

This bestselling mascara is a classic in the beauty world, and it's still a mainstay today. The best news? It's under £10. If you're looking for a new mascara, it might be worth going back to one of the originals. Here's why.

It was the first mascara for so many of us. But the thing with firsts is that they tend to stay there. We look back fondly on the first beauty products we used and subsequently swap them out for the latest and newest. 

However, when you find the mascara that works for you, it's one that's worth sticking with. With a legion of beauty devotees who have the familiar pink and green tube sticking out of their makeup bags, what's so great about this mascara anyway?

Well, it coats just as well as it separates and volumises as well as it lengthens. You won't need an eyelash curler, as it gives lashes a natural curl, and thanks to the nifty brush, every lash will be covered. The formula is buildable, so you can go for a natural look or add more coats for greater volume without it looking spidery (unless that's your thing). 

As it excels at lifting lashes without the fibres dropping down, it's a must for sensitive eyes, too. 

Maybelline clearly knows a thing or two about mascaras, so here are some of its other affordable buys.

Rivalling even the most expensive mascaras, this one works overtime for creating big and bold lashes. If you find yourself wasting time with layer upon layer of product, you can skip the faff, as you'll achieve your desired look with fewer coats. 

Honestly, if you can't figure out false lashes, you might as well call it a day, as this is the next best thing. It lengthens and lifts lashes and will stay put all day, so much so that you'll end up convincing yourself that you've just had an LVL.

You can tell from the packaging that this mascara means business, and it sure does. If you're looking for clump-free volume then look no further. 

Just look at the curve on that brush. You're in for a good time with this lash-lengthening mascara that's highly pigmented and easy to apply. And there won't be a single clump in sight. 

With a fluffy brush for the perfect balance of volume and length, as well as the bonus of a coconut-infused formula, this is a solid addition to your makeup routine. Plus, your lashes won't feel stiff when you remove your mascara. 

Surely, at some point or another, we have all collectively asked for this—a mascara with an upper-lash brush and a lower-lash brush. So no more fiddling around with a chunky brush on your lower lashes and making a mess. Your morning routine is about to get a whole lot easier.

Is there anything worse than diligently applying your mascara, thinking it's all in place, then coming home to see it all over your lids? Fear not, this waterproof mascara will not only stay where it's supposed to, but it will also make your lashes look pretty incredible.

With fibres in the formula to stick onto lashes, this is a quick-fix alternative to false lashes. Adding both volume and length, consider this a makeup bag staple that's comparable to mascaras triple the price.

For thicker and fuller lashes, coat your lashes in this primer before applying mascara. It will condition lashes and give more volume. If you want to give your eyelashes a boost without swapping out your mascara, slot this into your routine.

Up next, The Eyebrow Products That Brow-Blessed Women Love