This is unquestionably the most expensive mascara we've ever tried. Probably, the most expensive mascara in the world. However, it is also unquestionably one of the best.

We're not suggesting you take out a mortgage to buy it. But if you've a lavish beauty budget, do, do, do give Christian Louboutin Lash Amplifying Mascara a spin.

Aside from the hefty, completely stunning Art Deco packaging, it has a truly outstanding brush that grips and lifts every last micro-lash – a major factor if you've skinny, stumpy lashes like Jo's, when every last lash counts. (Apparently the brush has been uniquely designed with vertical and horizontal bristles – and they're made of rubber, for that grab-factor.)

It then layers on highly concentrated pigments – and what we like is that you can go on and on and on building and lifting and adding and adding volume till you're done. (Two shades, rich burgundy Sevillana, and blackest black Khol. We'll go for black, every time.) It then stays put without flaking, all day. And all evening.

When we heard Christian Louboutin was moving into beauty, we admit we yawned and thought, 'oh, right. Jumping on the beauty bandwagon...' We have been proved so, so wrong: from the nail polishes to the lipglosses – and now this – it's a world-class range.

So consider this, if you are on a budget: Christian Louboutin Lash Amplifying Mascara is the equivalent of a month of takeaway coffees, roughly.

And much as we love a decaf soya latte, we know which we think is the better investment.

Christian Louboutin Lash Amplifying Mascara/£55 at selfridges.com