We test three waterproof mascaras at all price points to stay put in the summer

MY biggest beauty pet hate is smudged mascara, when you end up with racoon eyes.

It’s even worse in the hot weather when sweat makes everything slip around.

Here are three of my favourite waterproof mascaras.

Budget

Revolution 5D Lash Waterproof Mascara, £8.99, boots.com: The original version of this was under my eyes before I’d even made it to the office.

So I hoped this waterproof version would fare better.

It gives great volume and made my lashes look slightly longer.

But I found the formula quite wet, meaning it doesn’t hold the curl, so not ideal for straight lashes.

Plus, as it takes a while to dry, one unexpected blink and it’s all over your face – and a pain to clean up.

For the price, it stays on well, though it started to flake on to my face by the day’s end.

Mid-range

Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara, £11 for members, beautypie.com: It’s easy to underestimate this mascara – the wand looks pretty run-of-the-mill.

But no other mascara keeps my lashes curled like this does.

Not only does it not smudge, but it gives the best lift and length of any mascara I’ve ever tried – waterproof or not.

The pay-off is that it’s almost impossible to get off.

You need a really good oil cleanser (I use Farmacy Green Clean cleansing balm, £32, which isn’t greasy and doesn’t clog pores).

So I save it for special occasions rather than everyday wear.

It rivals any set of false lashes – I defy you not to fall in love with it!

Luxury

Dior Diorshow Waterproof Backstage Mascara, £33, boots.com: If you’re trying to save money on make-up, mascara is the first place I’d suggest cutting your budget.

So a high-end one has to really knock my socks off.

I thought I’d love this – the large brush separates lashes and makes them look super long, but it also means it’s a bit tricky to apply.

If you have an unsteady hand you’ll quickly end up with an imprint above and below your eye.

But the “waterproof” formula smudged by mid-afternoon, so it doesn’t live up to the Beauty Pie mascara in the slightest.

Pick of the week

BRITNEY SPEARS’ Fantasy fragrance has had a Pride makeover.

The Pride edition has donated £5,000 to Switchboard, the national LGBTQ+ helpline service and features its helpline on the sleeve.

And Britney Spears Fragrances UK will sponsor the British LGBT Awards, which take place on Friday in central London.

100ml EDP, £46, superdrug.com.