I have a love/hate relationship with mascara -- I love to wear it, but hate that it smudges, flakes, doesn't do what it promises and stings my sensitive eyes. Over the last few years I've been a commitment-phobe with mascara, just when I think I'm on the brink of reaching salvation, something manages to disappoint me. My lashes are nothing special; fair in colour, regular in length and have an okay curl to them. Most days I don't take issue with skipping mascara, but it's nice having the option.

During a recent trip to my local Mecca, I randomly happened upon Kevyn Aucoin's The Mascara Volume.

Kevyn Aucoin's forumla is categorized as a tubing mascara. Instead of simply painting mascara on, the petite brush encapsulates each lash with fibre -- think of it like a sword being placed in its sheath. Once dry, The Mascara Volume stays in place, refuses to flake, smudge or smear.

Another bonus feature of the brush is its ability to really get in there. With a gentle wriggle of the wand, the lashes separate while getting hugged by black mascara.

Removal is easy. I place a cotton round soaked with Bioderma's Solution Micellaire (warm water works well too) over my eye and hold it in place for 10 seconds or so and gently wipe downwards in order to pull the mascara off. It comes off in threads -- it's a bit freaky and reminds me of spider legs.

The only downside to this particular mascara is that it molts off while I exercise. The sweat trickles down my face and takes the mascara with it. Sometimes I have to do a quick check in the mirror to make sure I don't have raccoon eyes.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Kevyn Aucoin's The Mascara Volume: