by Melody Lesser

Created on: April 04, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Want to enhance the fringe over those baby blues, browns or greens? Following are several tips for eyelashes that are worth batting:

To open up the eye and draw attention to the lashes, use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. There are several types on the market but a beauty editor favorite is the tried and true "clamp" style. Be sure eyelashes are clean and dry. Looking upward in a mirror, apply the curler to the base of the lashes being certain to include the entire fringe between the pads of the curler. Clamp or close the eyelash curler gently on the eyelashes for a few seconds and then remove the curler. (For first time users, eyelash curlers can take some getting used to. It takes a bit of practice to position the curler at the base of the lash line so as not to pinch the delicate eyelid. Even the most practiced among us should use a mirror and keep the eye open while curling the lashes. To further enhance the curling process, preheat the eyelash curler by zapping the business end with a blow dryer for no more than five seconds. Be sure to test the heat quotient with your wrist before applying the heated curler to your eye. It should be slightly warm to the touch. Do not apply a hot eyelash curler to the eye area. Give it time to cool down.)

After curling your eyelashes, apply a lengthening mascara from the base of the lashes to the tips. Hold the mascara brush against the base of the lashes and slightly wiggle it back and forth before combing it through to the tips of the lashes. Finish the mascara application by applying the product to only the tips of the lashes. If you like a wide-eyed look, apply mascara to bottom lashes as well.

For thicker lashes, dust them gently with loose powder, being careful not to get any in the eye, before applying mascara.

The proper application of eyeliner can also enhance eyelashes. Use black, or if you're fair, brown eyeliner and smudge it along the lash line on the upper lid. You don't have to be meticulous in drawing a straight or flared line. The objective is to fill in, at the lash line, a sparse or fine fringe. Darkening the lash line will give the illusion of thicker, more opulent lashes. A couple coats of mascara, using the technique outlined above, finishes the look.

The marketplace abounds with products designed to permanently thicken or temporarily enhance eyelashes. There are mascaras that lengthen, mascaras that thicken and mascaras that curl. Great Lash, by Maybelline, is the beauty industry's favorite

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