LOOKING GOOD: A wide-eyed, jet-black look is the latest thing for lashes, writes Melanie Morris.
Getting the lash: Whether you're faking it, or making the most of what's natural, the glut of new mascaras flooding the market have some interesting things to offer.
Apply yourself: For perfect mascara application, apply to curled lashes, by looking down and running the wand along the outside top row, down to the end of each lash. Then, open the eyes and do the underside, kicking out with each stroke. Encourage the curl with each application and make sure product is evenly applied - to root as well as tip. Then move on to the lower deck and gently stroke along each lash, including the ones by the inner eye. Leave plenty of time for mascara to dry.
A curl's best friend: Always use your lash curlers before applying mascara. The Shu Uemura metal curlers are the industry insiders' favourite. Curl in three steps - once close to the lid, then pull away a bit and squeeze again, and then for a final time, towards the end of the lash. This will deliver a real curl rather than one sharp kink.
Colour up: Coloured lashes have been popular for the last few seasons, but few people really know how to use these products. Colours such as plum, green, turquoise and gold can be fun if applied to the very tips of long, curled lashes, but avoid the all-over look. And think about shading brows to match - without going overboard. An auburny maroon works well on brunettes, giving definition as well as a funky look.
Back to the future: The hottest thing for autumn in the lash department is to have a wide-eyed, delicately shaded, jet-black baby doll look. It's a more gamine and feminine style to previous seasons. Lashes have to look well separated and this calls for a very small wand or brush. Take time with application and pay particular attention to lower lashes. Once mascara is dry, comb through with a brow or lash brush to get the most from the look.
An alternative: If the desire for high-drama false lashes is hard to kick, don't worry, they're still very "in", especially with debs, socialites and ... dare we say it ... drag queens. Make life easy for yourself and book a makeover for the same time as purchasing your lashes, and let a professional handle the lot. The price of the session will probably be covered in the price of the lashes.
TLC: Like every other part of your body, lashes need care and attention. Don't forget to condition them with Vaseline, or a dedicated product, on a regular basis to keep them healthy, shiny and growing. Those who wear waterproof mascara must be especially vigilant - because of the formulas required, they can be very drying and make lashes brittle.