They flutter with embarrassment, they bat away tears of happiness, and they blink with flirtation. What am I talking about…. why the main attraction to any woman’s sex appeal. Lashes!! Lashes!! Lashes!!!

The conquest of having the perfect set of perfectly “coifed” eyelashes causes women to spend hours sitting in chairs with an eyelash expert strategically placing extensions on their own lashes, heating 24kt gold eyelash curlers, chemically perming the lashes for the perfect bend, and spending loads of money trying every long, sleek tube that includes a specially formulated brush that is released by major cosmetic companies.

 

If eyebrows are the frame for your face and the eyes are the windows to your soul, then lashes are the fabulous, expensive drapes! Eyelashes create depth and definition. Have you noticed that you can have not a stitch of makeup on, but as soon as you take that magical wand and stroke the deep dark lacquer on your lashes, you suddenly wake up and demand attention! I should know…..I am a certified eyelash/mascara queen! I must say I have been blessed with long lashes (thank you Mommy and Fairy Eyelash God mommy), but I am always on the search for the perfect mascara. I am often asked, “Are they yours?” and was even given the nickname Betty Boop! But enough about me, lets talk about how to create the come hither look with one wink!

 

The key to finding the right mascara for you is to identify your issue(s), yes issue, and what you want to achieve. However, you must be realistic! If you have very short lashes, you will not be able to achieve lashes that hit the lenses of sunglasses (unless you apply other accessories), but you can have lashes that beckon a second look from the cutie that just walked by! Here are the basics to creating great lashes.

 

Step 1: Curl Your Lashes

The best way to use an eyelash curler is to get as close to the eyelash line as you can without pinching your eyelid, crimp and count to five. Slowly move the curler down your lashes as you open and close the curler, to insure you don’t get a harsh crease.

 

Step 2: Use the Magic Wand

Remove the wand from the tube in one pull. Pumping the mascara wand will push air into the tube, potentially drying out the formula and introducing bacteria into it. Wipe the extra product off on the opening of your mascara tube. Start by applying to the base of your outer lash and draw the wand to the tips. Repeat this step, moving to the middle and inner lash and roll the brush in an upward stroke to separate the lashes. Allow the first coat of mascara to dry before applying the second coat. Apply a light coating to your bottom lashes to really open up your eyes. Finally use a use a mascara comb to de-clump while lashes are still wet.

 

Step 3: The Finishing Touches

Use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of eye makeup remover to clean up any smudges around the eye and with tissue ant excess.

 

Maximizing Your Lashes

Lengthening Short lashes- Look for a conditioning primer that will prep your lashes for the mascara. The builder conditions lashes and amplifies the effects of you mascara, making your lashes look of long and full. Lengthening mascaras darken and extend the tips of lashes, making them look longer.

 

Try Lancôme Defincils, Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition, Diorshow, Maybelline Lash Stiletto

 

Plumping Up Wimpy Lashes- There are so many mascaras with extra plumpers in the formula, such as collagen. So take advantage! Volumizing mascara increases the diameter of each lash for a luscious, dramatic look.

 

Check out Lancôme Hypnose, Rimmel Volume Flash, Prescriptives Lash Envy, or Maybelline Colossal Volume Express

 

Defining a Curl- Use an eyelash curler to set the curl you want and then choose a mascara that has a  special curved brush to help lock in the curl.

 

Grab Benefit Get Bent, Lancôme Virtuose, or Maybelline XXL Curl Power

 

Separating and Defining Lashes- If you want a more natural look that will separate each lash defining mascaras have brushes that will lengthen, coat and separate each individual lash with zero clumps for a natural look

 

Coat lashes with Maybelline Define-A-Lash or Clinique High Definition

 

If you still want a little more va-va-voom….

You can now go beyond just adding eyelash extensions (how old school!). There are more products on the market than you can bat an eye at!

 

The FDA recently approved a drug called Latisse. It has ingredients that were initially prescribed to glaucoma patients and it was found to grow eyelashes. But like with every “miracle” drug,

there are side effects in using the potion.

* May cause darkening of the eyelid skin, which may be reversible

* May increase brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye, which can be permanent

* May promote hair growth in other skin areas that it frequently touches, so it is recommended that you blot it off any skin other than the upper eyelid’s lash line to prevent that side effect

 

Another step to take to go that extra mile is to use heated curlers. I know that may sound scary, but it works! You can try blinc Lash Curler, which is a heated comb that shapes and sets the curl in your lashes in seconds!

 

neuLash is a spanking brand new product that has been safety tested by ophthalmologist geared towards women and men with brittle, weak, thin, or short eyelashes, contact lens wearers, those who have eyelash extensions, or those who have undergone radiation treatment (retail value-$150). The product can also be used to prompt hair growth for sparse, thin eyebrows. But ladies, please do your research!!!

 

In the immortal words of Ms. NeNe of The Housewives of Atlanta (a guilty pleasure), You must have your eyes poppin’ and lips bustin’. Her words ring true. In order to capture an audience and create a fabulous canvas you must have your and lips bustin’ (a shiny coating of lip gloss) and of course your eyes poppin’ by choosing the right mascara!

 

~Heather Crocker

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