Mascara is probably the one cosmetic I've been wearing consistently since Year 12 and, as such, my eyes look bald without it. Back in the day, I had one workhorse mascara for all occasions and I think you can guess that things have changed a bit since then . . .

It's not just a case of FOMO or "try all the things" - I find mascara interesting but not as much as say, a new eyeshadow palette or liquid to matte lipstick. I thought I'd round up what I have in my mascara collection and rate them in order of awesomeness. You may click on the heading names to follow links to that product, if the mood takes you - no affiiates or anything, just for info.

7. IT Cosmetics Tightline Mascara Mini 

I bought this tiny trial sized mascara during my Sydney Sephora visit, used it once and largely forgot about it. If by "tightlining" they mean "leaves tiny dots along your eyeline" then yes, it definitely does that. I was hoping for a full lined effect but then, my expectations have been known to exceed reality from time to time.

6. NYX Color Mascara - Blue

I picked this up because Target were having a special and I have blue eyes so why not. I used to use the Covergirl Exact Eyelights in Sapphire Black as an everyday mascara and quite liked the effect so I thought I'd try a straight blue for fun. It's okay. Not particularly noticeable unless I'm out in the sun but I'd love to see how some of the other wackier shades in the range perform.

5. Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara

I got this in a value pack from Priceline when looking to try the Curvy Eyeliner and although I wasn't bothered about it, I gave it a go. The results were acceptable but not impressive. You can see me trialling both the mascara and eyeliner in a video if you like.

4. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I got this free in a Beauty Heaven mini beautorium haul and it took a little while to get used to the curved wand. It was a bit gunky at first but improved once it dried out a little. It's not one I go for all the time, hence its position firmly in the middle of the road.

3. Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara

When I saw this as an available product in the Beauty Heaven beautorium selection, I was all over it like white on rice and when it arrived, I couldn't wait to coat my lashes with it. You can see me doing that right here. It's alright but let me tell you, I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it. While it's perfectly serviceable, for $42 I essentially want to look like Caitlin after her lash extensions.

2. Silke Oil of Morocco mascara

I won this a while back as part of a (frankly awesome) prize pack from Champagne Cartel and it's a great regular mascara. You have to be wary of the fibrous bits on application so they don't smudge onto your eyes and what-have-you. However the colour is excellent and while the smell is a little oil-like, it's not offensive. It's a really nice product.

Which brings us to our winner . . .

1. Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Essence have well and truly killed it with this offering. A thick luxe wand delivering inky black product, volumising effect and easily my most dramatic mascara, all for the lowest price. I actually used my $5 Priceline birthday voucher to buy another one (and, while I was there, another Essence Make Me Brow Gel so I didn't feel like a numpty handing over $1.60).

Once again, I'm pleased to tell you that stinge wins out again with another Essence product taking the cake!

What's your favourite mascara? Is it budget or blow-out? Do you have a mascara wardrobe or a workhorse?