In this here age of false lash frenzy (I'm looking at you, Cheryl Cole) there is this assumption from lots of brides that they are a necessity.
They are often quite pleasantly surprised though by what a good mascara and a patient application can do.
Here are my trusted choices starting with most affordable:
Loreal Telescopic (£11) is pretty amazing in my book - I had a theory that it was due to the wand alone ( a fine rubber number) but I will now concede that there's a lot to be said for the black stuff. It's a sleek, lengthening mascara - no clumping.
Dior Show Iconic Mascara (£18.99) is my next choice. This one's gone more 'thickening' to offer and gives a more dramatic result. This is is bit of an evening choice though - a very rich product. You can see by the difference in the thickness of the wand that it's going to apply differently to the Loreal.
Last up, brace yourselves...Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes, (£20.50)
It's got a bit of both of the above. It lengthens and thickens, but does so sparingly. It has that beautiful tapered wand which means you can get to the corners and also use the wider part of the wand to add volume. The black stuff is smooth and applies softly. Depending on the requirement, I will sometimes swap in the Loreal Telescopic wand dipped in the Lancome product. (I really love that wand)
Santa, take note, I want one in my stocking....