The product
Lash Extender ($37.50 at Caryl Baker Visage salons and online at http://www.carylbakervisage.com)
The promise
It may look like a mascara, but it's much more. Lash Extender is actually "lashes in a bottle." Applying the "brush-on lash extensions" is "like adding hundreds of tiny lash hairs to your eyelashes instantly." The formula "dramatically lengthens, adds volume and strengthens your lashes."
How it works
Tiny fibres made of cellulose, panthenol, vitamin E and basil (for hydration) are applied to the lashes using a mascara-type wand for an instant thickening effect. Imagine applying lint to your lashes and you'll get an idea.
How to use it
Interestingly, the instructions sent with the press kit are more complicated than those on the package box, but the extra steps are worth it. Start, if desired, by curling eyelashes. Next, apply a coat of mascara. Then quickly apply Lash Extender: Gently tap off extra fibres before rolling brush over lashes. Follow with another coat of mascara.
The results
The fibres add amazing thickness to lashes. The effect is dramatic and instantly noticeable - not as extreme as adding false lashes, but there's more fullness than any mascara can provide.
The bottom line
We love the idea of this product. For women with long but thin lashes, it is a dream come true. And our initial reactions were overwhelmingly positive. But then, one by one, the fibres began flaking off and settling both under our eyes and on top of the lid, forcing us be on constant wiping duty. Each tube even comes with a small brush just for this job, so it's not like the makers weren't aware of this defect. Which makes us think that they should have gone back to the lab and perfected the formula. They're so close!