5 Eye-Catching Eyelash Looks to Try

I hereby decree that the power of long, notice-me lashes is something everyone should be granted. I say this because I have thin, pale, pathetic excuses for eyelashes and I really, really wish I could afford extensions. What fun it would be to have long, thick, bat-able, come-hither lashes. I'd flutter my eyes all day and have guys fawning all over me, then I'd meet Mr. Right and we'd jet off to Fiji on his private plane and ...

Sorry, my imagination got the best of me for a minute. Now, where was I? Oh, the fact that I'm too broke for extensions and that it's a big bummer. But, the good news for me -- and everyone else who can't shell out big wads o' cash for perma-fake lashes -- is that there are some great falsies and daring mascaras that are actually affordable.

So, what do you say we try some on for size? For inspiration, here are my favorite extreme runway and red carpet looks, along with a few celebrity makeup artists' tips on how to make them more wearable. Bat-ter up!

Colored mascara

A pop of bright color on your lashes is a fast, easy way to spice up your look. So take a page from celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath's playbook and carefully dust bright blue loose pigment over freshly applied, still-sticky black mascara. (I recommend using a small fan brush to do this.) For a much more subtle dose of color, try using an actual coloured mascara. Keep the rest of your makeup natural, and skip colored eyeshadow.

Tip: It may sound counterintuitive but blue, not black, is the most universally flattering mascara shade, plus it makes the whites of your eyes look even whiter.

Baby-doll lashes

Big, doll-like lashes can be jarring close up, but from afar, they look amazing. So much so that celebs like Adele and Katy Perry wear 'em all the time. To get the look, apply a lengthening mascara, such as Adele's favorite, Eyeko London Skinny Brush Mascara, £15.

Tip: If you still need a boost, add faux strip lashes like Katy Perry Lashes by Eylure in Oh My!, £6.95.

Iced lashes

Next time you feel like dazzling your date, put tiny Swarovski crystals on your lashes. To get the look, pair Shu Uemura Mini Crystal False Lashes, £15.50 with black wing-tipped eyeliner.

Tip: Shu Uemura Beauty creator and celebrity makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babian suggests going with black crystals or a half lash strip for a slightly less dramatic look.

Wild Eyes

Two-toned lashes made of nylon or feathers take serious cajones to pull off, but I couldn't resist trying them. They're so fun to look at! Perhaps they're best left for Halloween, but should you find the right occasion beforehand, try Altereglow's Stargazer False Lashes, £4.50 or the EyelashesDirect's wide array of lashes, between £3 - £8

Tip: If you need to trim them to fit, do so beforehand with sharp scissors. Never put scissors near your eyes.

Spider lashes

They sound scary but they're crawling all over the runways. To get the flattering, cake-free version that Kim Kardashian does so well, start with a good lash curler to help crimp your lashes so they stand up taller. (This also makes your eyes look bigger.) Apply several coats of lengthening mascara (try L'Oreal Telescopic False Lash Mascara, £10.99) on your top and bottom lashes, wiggling the brush left and right.

Tip: Use a lash comb afterward or wipe off your mascara wand with a tissue beforehand to get rid of unsightly clumps.

I hope all you beauties have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun!  I'm intending to do the same.