Long, velvety, majestic lashes are all the rage. And while come hither lashes have always been a treasured commodity, not all of us are blessed by Mother Nature. Thankfully there are more ways than ever to make lashes look lush. From lengthening mascaras to mascara specially made for lash extensions, we've rounded up the top ways to fake va-va-voom.

Step Up to the Bar

Always the innovator, Shu Uemura, the Japanese line famous for its eyelash curler, has installed eyelash bars at cosmetic counters around the globe.  Shu Uemura's Tokyo Lash Bar gives consumers the opportunity to try on and experiment with the line's more than 20 styles of extensions, from natural to dramatic. Each Tokyo Lash Bar also offers eyelash styling, eyebrow shaping and eye makeup applications. For locations, visit shuuemura-usa.com.

 

Lash Bling

Shu Uemura has upped the ante with the release of their 24 karat gold Eyelash Curler. Indulge your lashes with this precious metal eyelash curler and case, a special edition to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this award-winning invention. It may not be the most practical thing you own but it's gold and you're gorgeous, so why not? The 24 karat eyelash curler and case retails for $37 and is available at www.shuuemura-usa.com.

 

Sounds weird, works amazingly well

If you have lash extensions, you probably know that you aren't supposed to wear mascara. Well, you can't really because the application and removal of traditional mascara breaks down the glue that keeps your extensions in place.

Enter Blinc , a mascara made specifically for those of us who are sportin' super long lashes that Mother Nature didn't give us.  Blinc's "Kiss Me" mascara forms tiny water-resistant tubes around each lash. (Sounds weird- works amazingly well.)  Unlike oil-based paint mascara, this product stays on longer and does not run, clump or flake into eyes. When it is time to remove the mascara, a combination of slight pressure and water slides these tiny tubes off each lash.  $24 at Beautysak.com.

 

Friend or Faux?

False eye lashes in a tube? Too Faced cosmetics boasts the Faux Fur Double-ended Primer and Mascara duo with one end holding a moisture-enriched primer that extends and lengthens lashes; and the other containing a lengthening, thickening, mink-like mascara that is so unbelievable, people will swear your lashes are false. The patent leather-like finish stays shiny all day, $18.50 at www.toofaced.com.

To find a retail location, click here

 

Applaud Lauder

Estee Lauder's Lash XL Maximum Length Mascara, quite simply, stretches the truth. An innovative technology binds silk-infused fibers (inspired by spider silk) to your natural lashes. Watch them volumize up to 50% more. Estee Lauder Primer is XL's twin sister, and you can't have one without the other. It dries quickly, acts as a base and helps the mascara maximize all of its benefits.

Estee Lauder Lash XL Mascara, $21; Primer, $18.50.

Available at Bloomingdale's department stores and online at www.esteelauder.com.

 

Lashes, Inc.

Lip Ink, a line known for its waxless, waterproof, smearproof and ultra-durable, all-natural liquid lip color, has ventured north to lashes. Lip Ink's Lash Tint adds spectacular color the more you use (up to three coats), without adding fullness or length. Great for achieving beauty au naturel with a little help. The Brow & Lash Conditioner is a base coat designed to be used under the Lash Tint or your own mascara. The clear, patented formula shapes brows and adds sheen to bare lashes. Both products retail for $16.50, visit www.Lipink.com for locations.

 

Heat things up

The Talika Heated Eyelash Curler is a revolutionary device that heats up in less than 5 seconds.  No need to count, the tips of these curlers actually change to red to let you know its time to get your curl on.  The ergonomic design is easy to hold so you won't confuse this baby with your mom's lash curler.

Why curl? Curling lashes helps give a luxe look without adding falsies. Be sure to curl lashes before applying mascara.  Once the curler is hot, hold the curler on lashes for 3 seconds and then apply mascara. Talika's   Heated Eyelash Curler retails for $30 and is available online at www.Talika.com.

 

Celebrity Secret

Lash Extensions may seem new, but movie stars such as Marlene Dietrich and Bette Davis batted a fake lash or two back in the day thanks to a man named Max Factor who invented falsies back in 1919.

Jennifer Lopez revived the trend at the 2001 Oscars when Mr. Shu Uemura created a mink pair just for her.  Even Oprah's made the news with her faux lashes. Nowadays, you'll notice many a starlet donning these longer-than-life lashes. Lash extension applications are offered at many upscale salons and in beauty stores everywhere so you can get the look on your own red carpet.

Photo of Beyonce Knowles courtesy of Photorazzi.com