Eye Spy - In Search of a Greater Lash

Shopping for mascara can be an "eye opening" experience. Who knew there were so many formulas to choose from? Thickening, lengthening, volumizing, maximizing and separating, only to name a few; it's no wonder a tube of "Maybelline Great Lash" is being sold somewhere in the world every 1.5 seconds. It's bright pink and green tube stands out from all the rest, saving us from the myriad of eye lash options, without batting an eye many of us grab the familiar and alas another sale for Great Lash the best selling mascara for 33 years. I do own a tube I admit but because I read it was a "must have", plus it adds a little color to my make up bag.

In search of a greater lash I secretly spied into the makeup bags of my most well painted friends, casually slipped in "so what mascara do you use" to unsuspecting co-workers, and polled long lashed strangers to uncover their mascara of choice. To my surprise, friends and strangers alike were wide eyed and bushy tailed to share the secrets of their lash life. So if you're interested in peaking into what's keeping these women's eyes wide open? read 'em and wink:

For Lengthening, Volumizing and Separating -
Lancome Definicils $21.00 Splurge
Iman Perfect Mascara $13.00 Midway
Max Factor Maximizing $5.99 Value
Maybelline Great Lash $4.99 Value

For Volumizing and Thickening -
Estee Lauder MagnaScopic $21.00 Splurge
Fashion Fair Volumizing $12.00 Midway
L'Oreal Volumizer 4x $4.24 Value
Avon Astonishing Lengths $2.99* Steal
* sale price www.myavon.com

For Lengthening and Separating -
Lancome Definicils $21.00 Splurge
L'Oreal Lash Out $5.99 Value
Max Factor Stretch & Separate $4.99 Value
Avon Astonishing Lengths $2.99* Steal
* sale price www.myavon.com

Dramatic Lashes - One Coat
Christian Dior Show $23.00 Splurge
Benefit Bad Gal $18.00 Midway
L'Oreal 3 D Architect $6.99 Value

Sensitive eyes & Lens Wearers
Clinique Long & Pretty Mascara $13.50 Midway

Hard to reach & bottom lashes $4.99 Value
Maybelline Lash Discovery

Best Mascara to sleep in (wink)
Kanebo Mascara $23.00 Splurge
Most waterproof mascaras

Here are a few lash seccrets to help you get your lash-on right:
· Clean your mascara wand at least once a month to get rid of clumps and prevent build up of bacteria on bristles. Coat the wand with a little Vaseline and gently wipe mascara from the bristles but don't damage the wand. Vaseline works best. Water won't remove all the mascara residue and soap can irritate your eyes. Shelf life of mascara is 3 - 4 months.

· Always have a dampened Q-tip handy when applying your mascara to clean up any smudges before they dry!

· Fashion Fair Cosmetic Manager Dewayne Moore recommends using a lash conditioner to improve brittle, dry lashes, extend the life of the lash and to help mascara adhere better and longer. Look after your eyelashes just like your do your hair and skin

· If necessary curl lashes using mascara curler before applying mascara.
· For best results "draw the mascara wand out of the tube and gently scrape off any clumps on the side or wipe with a tissue before applying, says makeup artist Brandi Williams.
· Oprah's make up man Reggie Wells, says "start at the lash roots and gently sweep mascara to the ends"
· Allow lashes to dry between coats. Use lash comb or spiral brush to remove any clumps.
· Reggie Wells believes applying mascara to bottom lashes is not necessary and only draws attention to dark circles and wrinkles below the eye area. Try brown on bottom lashes for subtle definition.
· Remove before bedtime with a gentle eye make up remover like Lancome Bi-facil Eye Makeup Remover or Andrea Q eye make up remover pads.
· Mascara merge?did you know Fashion Fair is black owned by Johnson Publishing Co. (Jet, Ebony) but L'Oreal owns Lancome, and Maybelline. Proctor & Gamble owns Cover Girl & Max Factor. "Don't Sleep"

Okay beloveds, I hope you found this F.Y. Eye enlightening and helpful in choosing the best mascara to maximize your lashes and bring focus to your eyes?the windows of your soul.

Bold indicates highly rated!

Cathy Gatson is a freelance writer and owner/operator of Yada Beauty Lounge, a hair and body salon in Northern California.

---

How To Apply Your Makeup

How To Apply Your MakeupSTEP 1: FOUNDATION: After Cleansing, Toning... Read More

Hair Stylist - Record Holder

Have you ever seen hair stylist cutting hair with Fire... Read More

An Intimate Approach to Beauty

An Intimate Approach to Beauty In this article we return... Read More

Surgery for the Stars

While plastic surgery might remain for many of us something... Read More

Hair Split Ends

This is a common condition which proves to be the... Read More

The Attraction of Pigtails

Very young girls wear their hair in pigtails because their... Read More

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Information

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a major... Read More

A Guide to Hair Salon Equipment

Hair salons require many different types of equipment to ensure... Read More

Fake a Tan with Sunless Tanning Lotion

A great tan is associated with health and beauty. While... Read More

Do You Read Labels?

The first ingredient of any product is what makes up... Read More

Spa Etiquette - What You Need to Know

Spa-goers visiting the spa for the first time often need... Read More

Fight Aging

Developing an anti-aging program is the newest scientific approach to... Read More

Does Your Skin Tell Your Secrets?

Age - It is going to affect each and everyone... Read More

Simple Beauty - 10 Tips that are Free and Easy

It is simple to look and feel more beautiful starting... Read More

Are Herbs Weeds or Treasures?

Many herbs have been introduced into Australia and because they... Read More

Natural Skin Care Mask

Healthy skin is one of the most common health and... Read More

What are Fusion Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions can be attached to your head in many... Read More

Non Prescription Contact Lenses Are the Best Way to Alter Your Look Without Altering Your Sight

Today's world has a staggering 75 million contact lens wearers,... Read More

The Manicure - More than Pretty Nails!

Pretty and well cared for hands are more than a... Read More

Can You Get Fuller Breasts From Herbal Breast Enlargement Supplements?

There have, in very recent years, been a flood of... Read More

Want to Try on That New Hair Style Before You Get It?

Hair Styles Cuts And Dos Review:Description: Hair Style Editor, Photo... Read More

Lanolin for Dummies - Benefits of Lanolin

Lanolin n.Fatty substance obtained from wool. [German : from Latin... Read More

History of Plastic Surgery

When most people use the term Plastic Surgery, they more... Read More

When Beauty Tries to Compensate For Self Esteem

We all strive for a beautiful and healthy body. This... Read More

7 Tips for Beautiful Skin

For most women, part of their morning and evening routines... Read More

Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look!

Want to change something about your appearance? How about your... Read More

Personal Care Products Can Lead To Cancer

Our skin is a two way membrane. During perspiration toxins... Read More

Flax Seed Oil and Wrinkles

Flax seed oil helps lubricate the digestive system and softens... Read More

Get Rid Of All Those Expensive Skin Creams - They Could Be Causing You To Look Older Than You Are!

To drastically improve your skin tone simply add two to... Read More

A Beginners Guide to Colored Contact Lenses

Today, colored contact lenses has slowly become a fashion that... Read More

What is Botox and Whats the Use

Botox is an injectable substance that is a medical grade... Read More

Tanning Bed Facts

A tanning bed produces UV rays and thus just like... Read More

Skin Care Secrets ? You Can Have Beautiful Skin

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, just... Read More