Four secrets to perfect looking mascara

For the 99% of the female population not blessed with dark, lush eyelashes, mascara is a makeup must --- no matter how low-key and natural the look of the moment may be. (Besides, the look is natural- but-better.) Mascara, especially one like Incredible Lengths Long and Strong Mascara --- fortified with conditioning vitamins --- is the fastest, most goof-proof way to define eyes, promising long, healthy- looking lashes with a sweep or two of the magic wand.

Maximize your mascara's potential with these four secrets:

1. Wiggle the brush up, starting at the base of your lashes, as you sweep it out to the ends to get maximum coverage and a bit of curl. Too many women make the mistake of daintily fluffing the brush just on the tips of lashes, missing the base. Depositing color at the base also gives you more contrast of dark lashes against whites of eyes.

2. Allow one coat of mascara to dry before putting on another. 'Layering' assures you the thick-lash look you're after and allowing mascara to dry between coats helps prevent flaking.

3. 3. Use a lash curler after your final coat and after mascara is completely dry. Why? First, because lashes curl better after mascara is on than they do if curled when bare. Second, because moist mascara sticks to the lash curler, causing lashes to stick together.

4. Sweep a clean, soft baby toothbrush or lash comb up through lashes as a last step, if de-clumping is needed. This will also give a softer finish to lashes.