Beauty does not come cheap. Word on the street is that we spend – on average – £18,000 each during our lifetime on cosmetics. Crikey. So putting the old accountancy hat on for a moment, there’s got to be ways to economise.

This afternoon, over tea and Halloween cupcakes, and the consequential sugar rush that came thereafter, it was decided that the best place to cut corners is on your mascara. For a number of reasons. Firstly, because mascaras go on just your lashes, not the rest of the delicate skin on your face. And also because on the beauty spectrum, they are on-the-whole pretty harmless.

Now, we’re just as fussy as you are when it comes to finding the right one and it's no secret that they come in all shapes and sizes, no matter what the price. But after testing some of the highstreet's finest offerings, we were pleasantly surprised. No, actually really quite THRILLED (as were our Céline purses).

See below the five most brilliant mascaras that we can’t believe are less than a tenner.

Joanna, beauty director, tried Miss Sporty Pump Up Curve It Mascara, £3.99 at Superdrug

'I cannot say I own a great deal of Miss Sporty make-up (it might have something to do with the name) but good God, this is good. Just enough grip to slide up the lash and impart enough black gloop, without forming little clusters at the tip (which many, many £30 mascaras tend to do). Respectably long, separated lashes in two quick coats. Impressive stuff.'

 

Angelica, beauty writer, tried B. Longer Lengthening & Defining Mascara, £9.99 at Superdrug

'I'm a sucker for nice packaging and the cold, gunmetal wand of this had me at hello. Inside was the ideal brush: almond-shaped, not too fat and with evenly places bristles. It went on easily and lasted for hours. I only remove my mascara every three days - I like the day old look - and always find the morning after is a real tell-tale sign: if it's all smudged into both my pillow and eye area, it simply won't do. This passed the test with flying colours. It's a keeper.'

 

Elin, junior fashion editor, tried Seventeen Backlash Mascara, £6.49 at Boots

'I love the packaging on this mascara, nice and glam. If you like full on lashes you’ll like this style – the effect it gives is definitely night-on-the-tiles. If you’re looking for natural and everyday, this isn’t the style for you, but if you like your lashes to look full, I’d recommend this.' 

 

Laura, staff writer, tried Beauty UK Define FX Mascara, £2.99

'I really like this mascara’s rubber comb-like brush as it has a good separating effect while getting product right to the ends of the lashes. I used a few coats for extra volume, but was really pleased with how this left my lashes – nice and spidery. It lasted all night without flaking or wearing off too.' 

 

Grace, fashion intern, tried Max Factor Wild Mega Lash, £6.99 at Superdrug

'This Max Factor Mascara was completely fuss free, easy and slick to apply. The big brush sold it to me first off, and when I applied it there was no clumpy mess but just long lashes with huge amounts of volume and impact. For that price you really can’t go too far wrong, I'd highly recommend it.'