Like a cake without icing, or 13-year-old’s without an Instagram account, a makeup look just isn’t quite complete without mascara.

But what mascara to use – that’s the question.

An age-old argument is yet to be resolved: tubular mascara or waterproof mascara? Both serve similar, yet wildly different purposes for your face. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of both types – let the battle begin!

Tubular Mascara:

Tubular mascaras work by creating a ‘tube’ (who would have thought?!) around the lashes. Tiny polymers stick themselves to your lashes, and don’t budge throughout the day. It is durable, smudge-free, and creates a fuller, more voluminous look. It doesn’t flake or transfer, making it preferable for those with sensitive eyes, or just for people who hate fishing little bits of mascara out of their eyes for half an hour (in other words, everyone).

It is recommended that you use a primer before using the mascara just for the extra staying power, and because it can dry out your lashes pretty quickly. But if you’re lazy like me, that just sounds like a whole lot of too much effort. While it only takes a little warm water and some wiping away to remove it, does that mean it’s not really waterproof, and therefore could come off during the day when exposed to the right elements? We’re asking the real questions here. Not to mention it’s terrifying when it comes to removing it, because it looks like your whole lashes are coming off with it. Makeup removal is scary enough as is; that first look at yourself right after your makeup has come off? Yikes. Who wants the added concern of thinking your precious lashes are sliding right off your face?

Here are some of the cream-of-the-crop as far as tubular mascaras go:

• PONI COSMETICS White Knight ($30)

• KEVYN AUCOIN Volume Mascara ($41)

• CLINIQUE Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula ($39)

Waterproof Mascara:

Waterproof mascara is the age-old antidote for streaky, smudged eye looks. Want to avoid those pesky panda eyes? Waterproof mascara. Mascara disappearing two hours into the work day? Waterproof mascara. Boyfriend cheated on you? Waterproof mascara. It does solve most problems, and does a damn good job of staying on your face through sweat, tears and water. Not sure what situations you’d be exposed to an excess of water, but it protects against it anyway! Don’t get me started on the number of different types and brands and breeds of the product there are to choose from – it’s almost overwhelming.

Let me be the first to say it. Waterproof mascara is a pain to remove at the best of times. On a good day, I go through one makeup remover wipe, a third of a bottle of micellar water and a double cleanse before my waterproof mascara even begins to budge. I guess that’s a thing to be admired, but when you’re stumbling through the door at 2am after a night out and are trying to guilt yourself into removing all your makeup before going to sleep, the last thing you want to deal with is mascara that won’t KNACK OFF. And the smudge factor. Holy crap. The staying power is great, but if you can find me a waterproof mascara that doesn’t smudge I’ll be very surprised.

The obvious holy grail would be Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex: Waterproof’. But here are a few hidden gems that you need in your life:

• COVERGIRL Full Lash Bloom Mascara by LashBlast ($8.97 at Priceline)

• INGLOT Volume and Waterproof Mascara ($28)

In conclusion: wear whatever mascara makes you happiest and gives you the most confidence. For the extra stability and staying power, tubulars are the way to go. For affordability and ease of access, stick to the old faithful waterproof mascara. Just so long as it’s there, on your lashes, and not streaming down to your chin, that’s the main thing. Let the battle of the mascaras continue!

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