I inherited a few things from my Japanese father... inadequate height, slanted myopic eyes, a yellow tinge, and my straight and sparse eyelashes. Sure it's a great genetic mutation that shields my eyes from dust in the rice fields, but what about my new life as a young lady trying to assimilate???

What was I to do, how was I to proceed? Drop out of middle school and shut myself in my room until someone found a cure for the disease that plagued my lashes? No. I would not sacrifice my position as lead alto saxophone in the eighth grade band, or my spot on the lunch time field hockey team. Since then I have worked hard, not just for me, but for all girls and women who fantasize about their thin eyelashes one day curling and thickening with ease.

Forget false lashes or expensive eyelash extensions, or at the very least hold off until you try this system. You won't regret it.

I've experimented with so many different mascaras and every time I read about Cosmo's favorite mascara, or the best new eyelash plumping wand, I would excitedly rush out, the good little consumer that I am. As soon as I got home I would apply, certain that there would be dramatic results. Alas, a transformation! My thin, straight lashes were now wet, sticky, and black. No curl, no volume. It didn't matter if it was $5 or $25, these mascaras were just not for me. Here's what I found and I will never let it go. Lash Stylist mascara works, it's heavy enough to thicken, but still light enough to lashes curled. The trick must be in the comb applicator, but it is still better than other comb-style wands I've used. A miracle, and it's less than $7.

Now that you have your new products, the results of five years of intensive eyelash research and experimentation, you are ready for a total eyelash makeover.

1. Curl first: I usually hear that you're supposed to start curling at the lash base and work your way to the tips, but I find the reverse to be true. I start at the lash tips and move down to the base, being careful to not apply too much pressure at the start, but a full squeeze when I get to the base. I like to curl my bottom lashes too because I hate when they stick to the top lashes, but please be careful if you do. I just flip the curler over, get it nice and snug to my eye and apply one good squeeze.

2. Mascara: Apply one coat using a wiggling motion if necessary. I've learned to apply mascara before other eye make-up if I plan to wear any because sometimes I get a little mascara on my eyelid, and this way I can just clean it up with a q-tip. Apply a second coat before the first coat dries for a thicker look.

*bonus tip for extra length and volume: Between coats, dip a q-tip in a little baby powder and run across lashes, focusing on the tips. The second coat will attach to the powder for a longer, fuller look. Yes!

3. Curl again: Still not satisfied with the curl? Sometimes I get greedy too. Just make sure your lashes are completely dry, and then curl again using the same process as before.

Now that you're finished, look in the mirror and say to yourself, "My eyelashes do not define who I am, but they sure do look great!"

This look won't be appreciated in the rice fields, but you're ready for just about everything else. Bat away.