You don’t need to curl your lashes every day, but for special occasions it really helps to open up your eyes and adds a touch of glamour.
* Always use the curler before you apply mascara or you risk damaging your eyelashes.
* To open up tired eyes, skip your lower lashes altogether.
* Use an eyeliner as close as possible to the lashline — that will give the impression of really thick lashes.
* Blot your mascara from the wand on to a tissue before applying. This removes the excess.
* Throw out your mascara every three months, or it can begin to harbour germs.
* If lengthening is your goal, fluff on an extra dash of lengthening mascara just at the tips of lashes.
Deep-set and small
Look for a lengthening mascara. A small wand will make it easy to define even the tiniest corner lash and make you look more wide-eyed.
Wide-set Choose a volumising mascara that coats your lashes thickly. Concentrate on applying it to the inner corners as this will create the illusion that your eyes are closer together. Prominent: Try a thickening mascara and use it to enhance the middle section of your lashes only. Too much on the corners will look overdone.
Close-set Go for a lash-building mascara which thickly colours and spaces out the lashes.
PERFECT FLUTTER For a widening effect, use eyelash curlers before you apply mascara. Clamp them as near to the roots of your lashes as possible, hold for 30 seconds, then release.
Warming the curler for a moment with a blow-dryer helps to set the curl. Be careful - don’t let the curler get too hot!
Apply two coats of mascara to your upper lashes from underneath - but don’t wait for mascara to dry between applications. Avoid putting mascara on the top of your lashes as it will look too heavy.
Without dipping the wand into the mascara again, apply to your lower lashes. That way, you’ll avoid clumping. Hold the wand and zig-zag from side-to-side to get a really even application.
If there are any clumps or blobs, finish by separating your lashes with an eyelash comb. Here are two approaches to applying mascara: Put it on before you wear your foundation and concealer, so you can use them to cover up any smudges. Or, put on mascara last, so lashes won’t get dusted when you put on powder.
Either way, twirl, don’t pump the wand to coat it. Pumping allows in air, hastening a dry-out.
Hold the brush horizontally for upper lashes. Start at the base and wiggle it up to the tips to maximise separation and lushness. Allow the first coat to dry completely, then repeat. Hold the brush vertically for lower lashes and sweep it lightly across them.
GROW-TIP Mix a few drops of castor oil with a teaspoon of olive oil. Dip a cotton ball in this mix and carefully dab your lash line with it. Castor oil helps strengthen lashes and grow new ones.
Hold the brush horizontally for upper lashes. Start at the base and wiggle it up to the tips to maximise separation and lushness. Allow the first coat to dry completely, then repeat.
THE BEST FIVE * L’Oreal’s Longitude and Lash Architect are good lengthening options. Longitude lasts all day without smudging and is good for daily use while Lash Architect has a super 3D function of volumising, curling and lengthening.
* Revlon Water-tight Mascara is good for sweaty summers. Doesn’t run at all and is highly affordable for daily wear.
* Lancome Amplicils is a fabulous thickening mascara to enhance the middle section of your lashes only. Don’t put too much of this on the corners or you’ll look overdone.
* For funky colours, go for The Body Shop - a more affordable option than Christian Dior’s. Try out the electric blue!
* Inspired by NASA rocket research, Estee Lauder Illusionist has spheres of ‘air gel’ to create a lightweight mascara that really does lift and curl.