Somewhere between seasons 10 and 15 of "The Bachelor," fake eyelashes graduated from Halloween costume accessory to makeup bag staple.
They've reportedly been around since 1899, when women were sewing them on with needles. These days, we don't have to go to such lengths: It's just faux hair and glue.
I've never worn fake eyelashes because I like a more natural look. Still, sometimes I dream of my lashes looking as dramatic as they did when I was a kid and too young to appreciate them. Since that dream hasn't come true with drugstore mascaras, I recently decided to try one of Amazon's bestselling fiber lash mascaras.
3D Fiber Lash Mascara by Mia Ador
It boasts more than 5,600 verified reviews online
Until a few weeks ago, I'd never heard of Mia Adora, but the product caught my eye since it is consistently on Amazon's bestsellers list.
The $18 product makes a pretty bold claim to "build lashes by up to 300%." It's easy to be skeptical — until you read the positive reviews left by verified purchasers.
The mascara is hypoallergenic
What's the difference between a typical drugstore mascara and an $18 3D fiber lash mascara? For starters, this one is an entire kit. The cute satin-lined box contains a tube of magnifying gel, a tube of fibers and an eyelash comb. The nontoxic, paraben-free magnifying gel is made of beeswax, while the fibers are natural green tea microfibers. Both the gel and the fibers are hypoallergenic — I've accidentally gotten a few fibers in my eyes without noticing any redness or irritation.
The process can seem cumbersome, but it's worth it
It may seem daunting, but the instructions helpfully explain the three-step process. First, you apply one coat of gel, followed by a coat of fibers and then another coat of gel to seal them.
I wouldn't advise trying it in the car. I know, we've all been there, but applying this mascara requires careful attention and time — about 45 to 60 strokes total per eye, plus the 20 seconds of drying time in between coats.
The only place I put it on is at home in the bathroom. Even if you're a makeup artist or the lash whisperer, it's impossible to not get clumps of fibers caught in your lashes — but that's where the eyelash comb comes in handy.
The only real downside is that a few eyelashes often fall off while combing through the clumps. I probably lose a few eyelashes every other time I wear this mascara (about twice a week).
The results are eye-opening
I wear it only once or twice a week, but seeing my finished lashes reminds me of how I feel when I first see my hair after a blowout. I've probably never achieved the 300% bigger/longer/thicker lashes Mia Adora mentions, but that might be because I complete the mascara application process only once. Some reviewers repeat the process up to five times!
Sometimes my lashes even brush against my brows, which I never get with other mascaras. While many reviews mention the fibers falling off or being messy, mine stay on pretty well throughout an eight-hour day. As a precaution, every hour or so, I run my fingers above my eyelids and below my eyes to pick up any stray fibers.
Not perfect, but pretty (literally) close
This mascara doesn't look perfectly curled and uniform like the fake lashes my friend Jenni wears, but my mascara doesn't need to bring all the boys to the yard. I just want it to bring back the look I rocked as an 8-year-old with full eyelashes. I haven't been able to achieve the look with drugstore mascaras.
Fortunately, I've discovered the magic of 3D Fiber Lash Mascara by Mia Adora. If you need me, I'll be in the bathroom with a wand in my hand.
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