The best waterproof mascaras that you could totally wear to run a marathon

Formulated from a mix of polymers and waxes, Chanel's tubing-waterproof hybrid version is excellent, featuring a unique diagonally stacked brush to catch each individual lash. Pleasingly, it's slender enough so that you can still get right into the inner corners without making a mess, unlike some other volume-focused designs. It provides a good level of drama - probably 'soirée' rather than 'big night out' - but above all else, it was the lasting curl that bowled me over. My natural lashes are not poker straight, but certainly nothing to write home about, but this gives them a such lift that I look instantly more awake. 

I think I've found a firm friend for life in this offering by Japanese line Suqqu. Firstly, the brush is gratifyingly slim. I tend to personally favour this kind of wand design because it's less likely to make a mess, more ergonomic and can also be used on bottom lashes. Secondly, the wand has the perfect amount of product distributed on it when you remove it from the tube - no annoying glob on the end that you have to wipe on a tissue. But overall, it's just a joy to use, delivering both length and lift, a super pretty, natural effect, and stellar separation.

For instant party energy, Too Faced's cult-classic, the playfully named Better Than Sex, is great (but not better). What I love about the hourglass-shaped brush, is that it allows you to coat each lash with a thick layer of mascara, right the way down to the root. It's buildable, and if you go in with enough coats, you end up with the illusion of liner. It delivers fabulous, spidery volume, but does very little for me in the way of curl so I'd recommend going in with a quality lash curler beforehand. 

This version, created makeup trailblazer Terry de Gunzburg, is a really nice option for everyday if you have naturally lacklustre lashes. The tapered end allows you to comfortably get into the inner corner, and it delivers a pretty lift, decent volume and dries super quickly, with no flaking. Reassuringly, it doesn't budge either.

Clinique has a few corkers within its mascara range, and this is one of them. Lash Power is every beauty editor's fave, but High Impact Waterproof is also brilliant. For me, it's all about length and separation - the straight brush is functional, no-nonsense, and it works. As someone with watery eyes, this delivers on staying power. 

If you're into a heavy, sex kitten lash, Dior's Iconic Overcurl is the one to beat. It covers each lash with a really thick coat, including close to the root to give the eye extra definition. You can't go in for loads of layers because it gets slightly clumpy quite quickly, but then you probably only need a couple of coats, and for some, certainly the 1960s It-girls, the thickness is all part of the appeal.

A triumph for affordable beauty, this mascara by Sephora was an unexpected hit. It's marketed as a volumising mascara, which it's reasonably good at, but oh my goodness: lift, curl and length? Consider it done. Zero clumps, just a beautiful, sweepy flutter. Guaranteed, the best 15 quid you've spent in a long while.