My my, the fashion stars certainly decided to shine bright at the recent ACE Awards. No one could really compete with Lady Gaga’s interesting ensemble, but supermodel-of-the-moment Agyness Deyn came close with her edgy beauty look. Not only did she rock the bowl cut that’s so chic right now, we also got the scoop from the lady behind her accompanying fine feathered friends. Makeup artist Frances Hathaway applied Shu Uemura’s Black Velvet Feather False Eyelashes to her lower lids. “Agyness is a cutting edge girl,” said Hathaway. “I needed a fashion-forward lash with an architectural influence.” Did she ever! However, she cautions that one must exercise restraint in such situations: “When making such a big statement, keep it simple; just make one lash.” After all, you wouldn’t want to go overboard.

Generally speaking, I’m happy with my mascara. Fiberwig and I have been through a lot together and it’s remained pretty true, never smudging and leaving me raccoon-eyed when I’m going for smoky-eyed. But every once in a while, you’ve just got to try something new. When I received a bag of Dior goodies to road-test the other day, I knew the time had come to betray the mascara that’s seen me through everything from first dates to weddings. (Other people’s weddings, that is…)

I felt a little dirty at first, as I swiped on the Diorshow Iconic mascara, wand clenched in my sweaty, guilty hand. Then something amazing happened.

Besides the fact that Amelia and I have used Maybelline Great Lash mascara since, like, childbirth, I’ve gotta add that after almost a decade spent chatting up makeup artists and various beauty experts, it’s hands (lashes?) down the preferred mascara of runway shows, photo shoots, red carpets and regular old everyday folks like you and me. So when we heard about a new version of ye olde standby called Maybelline Great Lash Big, we got nervous. Will we love it as much as the old version? What if it’s not as good? What if it’s—gulp—even better? In order to get a variety of opinions (some more objective than others), we not only tested Big in-house but we also sent it out to readers. Whether or not you should buy this mascara (spoiler alert: Yeah, it’s awesome!), and five different mini-reviews after the jump!

If you’re craving something couture but aren’t willing to empty your savings, try DiorShow mascara. The mascara comes in three seductive colors, is encased in a gorgeous tube, and costs a manageable 24 bucks. Its brush is thick and full, which means your lashes will be too. And best of all? It’s water-proof, which makes it perfect for summer splashin’. Whether you’re preparing for a night on the town or a day at the beach, if you’re looking for some bold, frisky lashes, this is the perfect purchase. Who knew “Dior” and “bargain” could go hand in hand? [$24, Sephora]

If thickening and lengthening mascaras just aren’t enough to make your lashes look all fluttery, a savior is on its way. A new drug called Latisse was recently approved and will soon be available with a prescription. The cream supposedly boosts lash length and thickness by encouraging hair follicles’ regrowth, but any part of the body exposed to the cream could show hair growth. We’ll be sticking to our fave OTC lash-enhancer, CoverGirl LashBlast. That stuff works wonders without the danger of growing extra, unwanted hair. [MarieClaire.co.uk]

Because your lashes are jealous that they never got their own vibrator, this winter Lancôme will introduce Ôscillation, a new mascara that provides a 360-degree coat of product around each and every lash, courtesy of a vibrating brush that pulsates 7,000 times per minute (if only your boyfriend was that skilled….). Sounds kinda scary, we know, but you’ll get used to it – especially after you check out the porn star lashes it delivers. At $34, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to pump yourself – er, I mean your lashes…yeah, your lashes! - up.  [$34, Lancome-USA.com]