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Lengthening mascaras

Marie Claire Beauty Academy: Mascara

With new-generation brushes and formulations at your fingertips, you don't have to rely upon eyelash curlers to perfect your look.

Instead, if you have short, stubby lashes, look for mascaras which lengthen and curl.

Mind-boggling technology went into the brush behind Lancôme's Virtuose mascara, £19.50, which mimics the action of an eyelash curler and curls each individual lash from the route. It's also available in five gorgeous shades – black, brown, blue, prune and blue – for eye-flattering effect.

A little less subtle, but no less easy-to-use, Benefit Bent Mascara, £14.50, tilts the brush away from the mascara wand for ultra-simple application.

Meanwhile, if you're on a budget, L'Oréal Paris Panoramic Curl Mascara, £7.99, gives a fake-lash effect after just one coat.