Thickening Designed to create lush lashes that say glamour. Be prepared to spend a little more time in application since your aim is a romantic thick fringe, not a clumpy look. You can apply two coats if you want, just have a lash comb or brush handy to separate.

Lengthening To hide the fact you were born with hardly-there lashes, this is a good alternative.

Waterproof Perfect for swimmers and mothers of the bride, this formula requires a bit more perseverance in removing.

Curling The newest formula, and it certainly does work. Eliminates the need for an eyelash curler.

Built-in SPF Lashes are delicate and can benefit from protection from the sun. (Although the greatest cause of broken lashes is not from the sun; it’s from improper mascara removal—or none at all.)

Allergy-free This formula is made, as with other allergy-free cosmetics, without the allergens.

Black and dark brown work best for women with medium to dark complexions and whose hair color is medium to dark brown. Women with lighter coloring, who don’t like playing by the rules, can wear black but use a light hand to avoid looking harsh.

Light brown works best for women who are fairer and blonder in complexion and hair tone; and for a very natural look.

Green, purple, and navy are just a few colors that are appearing more and more often. Consider your eye and hair color and skin tone, although this is certainly one area where you can have fun experimenting. Colored mascaras are particularly appealing in the right light—whether that’s artificial or sun.

Metallics—gold, bronze and silver—"read" light on the lash, so you may want to use a bit of eyeliner for emphasis. Experiment here too. Another way to add glamour is to literally dip your finger into the glitter pot and touch a very few sparkles to the tips of your lashes. Be very careful not to get any in your eye.

Clear is a relative newcomer to the mascara field. It gives definition via texture, not color. Similar to using vaseline which many women still value for its ultra natural effect.

1.  If your lashes are particularly straight, try an eyelash curler, available in metal or plastic.

2.  Now take the mascara wand and brush the wand from the root through to the end of your lash. Some makeup artists like to "wiggle" the wand diagonally along the lashes, giving a more thorough coating.

3.  Whisk the mascara all the way into the inner corners. This will help your eyes look larger.

4.  Have a small comb or brush handy (a toothbrush does a great job) to separate lashes and get rid of any clumping from the mascara. The news here: Mascaras packaged with built-in comb/separators.

5.  If you’re applying two coats, make sure the first one is dry before beginning the second.

6.  Bottom lashes: some women, especially those over 50, feel mascara here looks too fake. Experiment by taking a tissue to wipe off excess from the wand; then gently swooshing the wand on the bottom lashes just once.

To repair any mascara smudges, use a cotton swab dipped into a light makeup remover. Reapply a bit of foundation over the smudged area.

To prevent staining if you are applying mascara to lower lashes, place a bit of tissue underneath the lashes and apply over.

To remove mascara, rely on tissues and a remover that’s made specifically for your eyes. Use a very gentle hand; tugging too much will only irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.

Most experts agree that you should replace mascara every three months. It’s not worth risking an eye infection by holding onto a product so old that it’s no longer pure.