Gym-proof your lashes

Panda eyes are every fitness bunny’s worst nightmare, but what if you could gym-proof your lashes to withstand the toil?

In ancient Egypt, both men and women used what essentially became the first mascara: khol blended with crocodile dung, water and honey, applied with bone and ivory applicators. Eyes were believed to be the windows of the soul, so Egyptians used mascara to deepen their lashes in order to conceal their eyes, thereby warding off any evil spirits and bad energy.

Throughout history, eyelashes have been celebrated as a prominent feature of the face. There are many famous figures noted for their beautiful lashes: Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Twiggy to name a few. Eyelashes enhance the facial features, framing our eyes and helping us to look more awake.

Thankfully, products for a great set of lashes have moved on from their humble beginnings. And we’re not just talking croc dung – a blend of petroleum and black coal dust was the first packaged cosmetic mascara, created by Eugene Rimmel in 1917.

There are now numerous ways you can get a wide-eyed look to last – from the myriad smudge-proof mascaras that can do just about anything to false lashes and extensions, dying and tinting. It’s a relief for gym bunnies, because the last thing you need when working out hard is a panda eye. Here’s our pick of mascaras to get you sweat proof lashes with lasting oomph.