How to work your mascara wand and eyelash curler

Learn how to work your mascara wand and eyelash curler to perk up your peepers. Perfectly mascara's lashes can do wonders for your appearance. Do it right and you can work the come-hither magic with a well-timed flutter. Mess it up and you get a spidery disaster. But with the array of mascaras out there, how's a girl to choose?

First, know what your lashes need. Do your poker-straight lashes need a curl? Or do you just want to pump up the volume? We tell you what you need to know to perfect your curl, plus tips on how to fake it.

The look of natural: For a simple day look, go for a formula free of volumizers or fibres. For an ultra-natural look, use clear, colourless mascara. All mascaras can be used for a natural look - it just depends on how much you apply. Just one or two coats will do for a natural look.

Tip: Non-waterproof mascaras have lighter formulas and don't weigh lashes down as much.

How to apply: Before applying, wipe off any excess mascara with tissue paper. Apply mascara on the top lashes from the roots up, leaving out bottom lashes.

The look of thick: Thin, sparse lashes? Make up for it with formulas labeled "volumising" or "thickening", plus a brush with more rigid, widely-spaced bristles. Some wands come with a curved brush to coat lashes more easily.

Tip: Go for "Ultra Black" or "Very Black" shades to enhance the effect. Also try to wear a concealer as dark eye rings may be more visible if you coat your bottom lashes. If you have a party at night and want to touch up; just swipe on a bit for that perk-me-up.

How to apply: Wiggle the wand along the base of your lashes, then sweep upwards to the tips. Wait a minutes for lashes to dry. Comb through clumps lightly with a lash brush, then coat with another layer of mascara.

The look of long: You'll need a conical or cylindrical wand with tight bristles, and formulas with the word "lengthening", "fibres" and "extend".

Tip: Contact lens wearers beware: The fibres may get stuck in your lenses, causing discomfort. Lengthening mascaras dry quickly, so you don't need to wait that long between coats.

How to apply: Go from root to tip, and while applying the next layer, use the brush to touch the tips of your lashes lightly to deposit the lash bifres.

The look of dramatic: Long, feathery diva-esque lashes are de rigueur for the dramatic look. Best for parties or that girls' night out, look for a mascara wand with a large, full brush that's tapered towards the end. Try coloured mascaras in shades of purple, blue or even green for a wilder look. For the ultimate look of pure drama, put on false lashes instead.

Tip: Use a primer before applying mascara so that it glides on better for longer, thicker lashes.

How to apply: Apply one coat to top and bottom lashes horizontally, then hold the wand vertically to paint on two layers at the outer corners of the eyes for that extra "lift".

Faking it

You wake up in the morning and discover that you are late for work. It's a mad rush against time and the last thing you need is to curl your lashes. Or worse still - wait for the lash curler to heat up. Here are some other alternatives for a more permanent fix.

Eyelash perming

Similar to perming your hair, an eyelash perm uses the same perming lotion but in a gentler formula for eyelashes. A white tube is placed along your lashes to set the curl, and the diluted perm solution placed on the tips of your lashes.

Eyelash extensions

A beautician uses a special glue to stick clusters of three to six real or synthetic hairs close to the base of the lashes. To prevent eyelash extensions from falling off that don't use waterproof mascaras, oily makeup removers or lash curlers if you have eyelash extensions.

Touch-ups where the lash extensions are attached are recommended every two weeks. With proper care, lash extensions can last up to three months.