I’ve spent a fortune on lash-enhancing mascaras over the years. I find false lashes a huge faff and have had one too many accidents to dare wear them on a big night out.

I tried out Maybelline’s XXL Volume and Length Mascara a few years ago and can’t really think of anything positive to say about the experience. It’s shelf life was appalling, it would be halfway down your cheeks if you worked up the tiniest bit of a sweat in a club, and the next day you could literally peel clumps of it off your lashes. It may have added length, but it was a huge price to pay for looking like a prat before home-time.

Magnifibres Brush-On False Lashes follows a similar layering system which should have been a instant turn-off. Yet I’ve seen some pretty amazing before and after’s with this product (and the odd fail) - enough to make me want to try them myself. I’m desperate to ditch the liquid eyeliner for the winter (I’m just one snow shower away from looking like Marilyn Manson) and fuller eyelashes would definitely help with the transition.

So how does it work?

Well I’ve been a little cheeky mentioning the Maybelline fail. This is a difference proposition entirely. With Magnifibres, the fibres aren’t mascara-consistency but are literal fibres. Although it’s in a mascara case, Magnifibres is completely dry and looks like fluff close up. They’re made from a dizzy mix of viscose, panthenol, dimethicone, glycerin and phenoxyethanol. But let’s not dwell too much on that (if you want a chemical-free solution to longer lashes - you’ll be hard pressed to find one!).

The idea is that one sweep of these in-between coats of your usual mascara will add volume and length to the lashes without adding weight. After a applying a light coat of your usual mascara, quickly look down and apply a light swoosh of Magnifibres whilst your mascara is still wet (the natural fibres will bind to the base coat of mascara). You’ll look a bit strange after this coat (think Tilda Swinton in Narnia and you won’t go far wrong).

A big plus with this product is that the wand is nice and thin. From an ergonomics POV this means you can reach all your lashes to give a full lash effect. My one note of caution is to apply the fibres quickly whilst your mascara is still wet. If you take too long applying them they won’t stick to your lashes and you might find the odd black clump on your cheek throughout the day.

After this, you’ll apply your normal mascara once again to dye the fibres black and seal in all that fibre goodness. Repeat if you’re brave enough.

I used a Benefit’s They’re Real mascara and found the process easy enough. No fallout and a truly visible difference to my usual look.

I wouldn’t say they’re any longer than if I’d just used the mascara, but there’s definitely much more volume to them. The look I achieved seemed to last a good 12 hours too which is impressive.

Removal was easy peasy. You need to give your eyes a thorough cleanse at night with a decent eye make-up remover as you are applying more coats of mascara than usual.

Magnifibres Brush-On Lashes are available at Selfridges, Look Fantastic (best price at £16.99), Beauty Expert and HQ Hair. This isn’t a bad price for a mascara / magnifibres combo, but a little steep for just the one product. Nevertheless, it really is the secret ingredient that will improve the performance of your regular mascara and will last for a long while. I guess this is one of those where it depends on what look you’re hoping to achieve. I’d give it a thumbs up.