Mascara
Quantity discount
CHF2.95 per piece for 4 units CHF325.–/1l
essence I LOVE EXTREME crazy volume mascara
Black
The "Better Than Sex Mascara" is the Saldo test winner - but you'd better buy the runner-up
22.1.2025
Translation: machine translated
The most expensive mascara was awarded top marks for volume. In contrast, the cheapest mascara took second place, making it the best buy in the Saldo test. Less pleasing: EU limits for the harmful substance formaldehyde were exceeded in two products.
Mascaras like to advertise with the promise of conjuring up volume in the eyelashes. Some live up to this claim, others leave a lot to be desired - at least that is the conclusion of a comparative test conducted by the Swiss consumer magazine Saldo.
The test analysed 12 black mascaras, including three waterproof products.
The test analysed 12 black mascaras, including three waterproof products. The thickness of the eyelashes was measured in a laboratory using a light barrier micrometer: once without mascara and after two and four coats. A second laboratory analysed the test products for harmful substances such as naphthalene, arsenic, butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and formaldehyde. Only formaldehyde was detected in two products. According to Saldo, this could cause severe skin irritation or allergies or damage the eyes.
Very good - the test winner
The "Better Than Sex Mascara" from the Too Faced brand (score 6) stands alone at the top of the volume olympus. The test winner achieved the top score in all test points. "After four applications, the lashes were twice as thick as before application," says the Saldo report. According to the laboratory, the increase in volume was 122 per cent. At 4.61 francs per millilitre, it is the most expensive mascara in the comparative test. We do not currently carry this product in our range.
Source: Annie Spratt via Unsplash
Good
Encouragingly, two affordable products from the Cosnova Group took second and third place (both scoring 5.3): "I Love Extreme Crazy Volume" from Essence and the waterproof "Glam & Doll Volume" from Catrice.
Mascara
Quantity discount
CHF4.70 per piece for 4 units CHF550.–/1l
Catrice Glam & Doll Volume Waterproof
Black
Saldo highlights the Essence product as a recommended buy despite the same overall score, which is due to the lower price per millilitre, as the two mascaras are on a par in terms of volume. The mascara from Essence is the cheapest product in the test series and achieved a volume increase of 85 per cent.
In fourth place was the "Size Up Waterproof" from Sephora's own brand (score 5), followed by the "On The Rise Volume Liftmascara" from Nyx (score 4.8).
Mascara
CHF19.80 CHF1980.–/1l
NYX Professional Make-Up NYX Mascara - On the Rise Volume Liftscara Black
1 Black
Sufficient
L'Oréal's "Panorama Volume Million Lashes" (score 4.5) comes in sixth place.
Mascara
Quantity discount
CHF11.40 per piece for 2 units CHF1202.02/1l
L'Oréal Paris Million Lashes Panorama
Black
The "Bio Volume Mascara Fresh Cucumber" from the natural cosmetics brand Sante took seventh place with a score of 4.3.
Mascara
Quantity discount
CHF12.10 per piece for 2 units CHF1058.34/1l
Sante Fresh Cucumber Volume
Extra Black
Similarly, Maybelline's "Sky High Lash Sensational Mascara"
Mascara
Quantity discount
CHF8.05 per piece for 3 units CHF1236.12/1l
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational
1 Extra Deep Black
The score of 4 goes to the ninth-placed product: "Volcano Explosive Volume" from Manhattan.
Inadequate
The "Perfect Volume Mascara Waterproof" from Artdeco (score 2.5) and the "Extreme Dimension 3D Volume and Curl" from Mac (score 2.5). Both products were found to contain preservatives that release formaldehyde over time. On balance, the formaldehyde values measured exceeded the EU limit of 10 mg/kg.
Bad
The "Lash To Impress Bio" from the cosmetics brand Lavera (score 2) received the worst overall rating. Although no formaldehyde was detected in it, the volume performance left a lot to be desired.
Header image: Kaboompics.com via Pexels
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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