BoomerGirl.com

There's no such thing as volume control when it comes to our lust for long lashes. We're willing to have affairs with many brands, tossing each aside for grander promises of enviable eyelashes with no flakes, no messes. We asked three lash-challenged ladies to give these new contenders a chance. Are any of them lasting lash loves?

BLINC

Kiss Me mascara, $24, sephora.com

Lash out: "A mascara that forms a tube around each lash? That promises no flaking or raccoon eyes? I've tried dozens of mascaras, and the claims rarely hold true for my stubby, straight Asian eyelashes."

Pump it up: "The directions say to use only on clean lashes with no conditioners or moisturizers and to apply in layers for length and volume but not to let each layer set for more than two minutes. The taking it off part sounded downright scary: Only lots of warm water and gentle pressure would allow the tiny tubes to slide off lashes."

Long and luscious? "I used two coats at first, and it was not enough. Three coats and an eyelash curler, though, gave me luscious lashes with staying power. I even slept with it one night, just to test the claim. Taking it off, though, is harrowing. With warm water, I pinched my lashes, and the tubes came off looking very much like my eyelashes were plucked out! They weren't. While I love the mascara, it sure is a lot of work to remove."

MAC COSMETICS

Plush Lash, in brownette, $11, MAC stores, Nordstrom

Lash out: "I can't stand clumpy, thick mascara, but it seems like the only way I can get my puny lashes to stand out is to apply (and reapply and reapply) until my eyes are caked in the stuff!"

Pump it up: "Never saw a wand like this before. It's bursting with bristles that stick out every which way, helping give form to my unruly lashes. Combined with this slick, almost liquidy mascara, application is a breeze."

Long and luscious? "This is my new favorite product. Minimal smudging, no clumps, and it leaves you looking like you have naturally fabulous lashes - not like you're wearing tons of mascara."

VICTORIA'S SECRET

Extreme Volume mascara, $18, Victoria's Secret stores

Lash out: "I'm always willing to try anything branded as providing 'extreme volume' to my short, volume-less lashes. It also makes me skeptic of the promised results, because I've always felt my eyelash curler does more of the work than the mascara."

Pump it up: "The brush is noticeably fuller and picks up more mascara than what I normally use. I tried applying it both with and without curling beforehand, and I was pleased with the amount of volume I got in two coats! I liked that it did not clump nor come out of the tube in big globs."

Long and luscious? "Short eyelashes are more to blame for this, but I needed to blink once and sweep up under-eye specks before heading out of the house. My eyelashes maintained their fullness throughout the day, and I was happy there was no smearing. It's definitely a keeper!"