IT turns out my sister has secretly been applying Vaseline to her eyelashes all these years, which would explain why her lashes are so much curlier, longer and generally more lustrous than mine. How sly is that?

Then I have a friend who can't wear sunglasses. And you know why? Because her lashes are so long that they bang off the frames. I mean, come on.

It's hard not to be bitter when you have stubby lashes. Fellow sufferers will understand when I describe the incredible excitement that comes with the arrival of a new ultra-technological mascara to the market, promising length, volume, thickness, curl, body, shine, moon and stars.

Then the utter joy when the product works.

Lashes are actually visible. In a high wind they even flutter. But inevitably, a week or even a month on, magic product isn't working so well anymore.

In fact, lashes have gone AWOL. Call the garda press office.

With sixties make-up in serious vogue this season, getting Twiggy-esque lashes has never been so important. So this week, I've tracked down the five best mascaras on the market at the moment and the best way to apply them. And people, things are looking up.

First of all: application. Most people look straight into a mirror as they apply their mascara and if you're one of them, stop now. Instead, put a compact mirror under your chin and look down into it while keeping your head as straight as possible. This position means there is plenty of room to manoeuvre and lashes can be dragged up to their best advantage. You should notice the difference immediately.

Once you know what to do, it's time to find the right mascara for you. Here are Beauty School's top five:

5. Maybelline Great Lash, � 7.35 This distinctive pink and green number from American brand Maybelline has been around every woman's make-up bag at some stage or other, and for good reason. This is America's bestselling mascara, with one sold every six seconds (or something), and its affordability makes it a favourite with women everywhere.

Verdict The mascara to buy when you're stranded without your makeup bag.

4. Estee Lauder Projectionist, �23 Hot off the shelves, the latest from Estee Lauder only arrived at the start of the month but it is already making waves with women in the know. The light texture of this mascara means lashes don't clump or get weighed down, while the wand gives excellent volume and curl.

Verdict For skinny lashes that need plumping.

3. Lancome Fatale and Lancome Fatale Diamond, both �24.50 The innovative mascara wand on Fatale is made up of three hard lash combs that look pretty funky - but also slightly terrifying to the less adventurous. This mascara gives amazing length if you put in the work. "It's actually very easy to use and the results are amazing, " says Jane Daly from Lancome. "Just roll the wand over lashes so all three combs hit the lashes." Fatale Diamond is a black glittery version of the original - sounds yuck, looks fab.

Verdict Well worth the bit of extra effort.

2. Chanel Inimitable, �24 Chanel have also moved away from the traditional brush to produce an amazing rubber wand. This bendy brush moves with lashes as you apply, giving a seriously effective extra tug. Lashes are instantly longer and even with a brand new brush there isn't a single clump in sight.

Verdict Prepare for compliments.

1. Yves St Laurent Effet Faux Cils, �25.50 This is not a mascara. It's the best friend you never knew you had. The Effet Faux brush looks pretty ordinary but the magic ingredients in this glamorous gold tube take your lashes to whole new heights.

And best of all, there is no end to this relationship. Two years on you'll still be seeing the same results, day after day.

Verdict So amazing it'll bring tears to your (long-lashed) eyes.