The eyes have it

Lashes are a big deal at the moment. If you're anything like me, you'll love celebrities like Cheryl Cole, who make a statement with their eyes and look fabulous as a result.

And if Cheryl isn't enough of a style authority for all you fashionistas out there, long lashes are among the latest trends to emerge from the catwalks.

Charlotte Tilbury is one of my favourite make-up artists, so I always listen to her advice when it comes the latest trends, and she has told Grazia magazine that this year's top looks are all about the 3Ls: lipstick, liner and lashes.

She is a true beauty guru, having styled models for the likes of DKNY, Julian Macdonald and Chloe shows in New York, London, Paris and Milan, so when Charlotte says I need to wear "lashings of mascara" this season, then that's just what I'll be doing!

So, whether you are one for the high-end fashions or prefer to follow celebrity looks, mascara is a must-have for your make-up bag this year.

If you're like me and love the fake lash look, but aren't keen on sticking falsies to your eye lids (it's a nightmare, isn't it?), the good news is that cosmetics companies have come up with brilliant new mascaras that produce a false-lash effect.

Avon's SuperExtend Mascara visibly lengthens lashes up to 55 per cent* with its innovative stretch-formula, which features unique, triangular-shaped fibres to create the dramatic effect.

It is also waterproof, handy for those windy and rainy spring days or if you're watching a tearjerker movie, and has a sleek, shiny and super-sexy finish.

I love the SuperExtend Mascara and I'm not alone, as it is already getting rave reviews from critics writing for the likes of Kiss & Makeup and The Beauty Counter. These ladies know what they're talking about!

While fashion and celeb style obviously play a major part in statement lashes being a big deal, there is also some science behind the enduring popularity of mascara.

Large eyes are associated with youthfulness and, of course, looking young is considered to be a big part of attractiveness, so lengthening the lashes to make those peepers look wide and bright enhances beauty.

Don't just take my word for it, behavioural biologist Bernhard Fink, of the University of Gottingen in Germany, has told LiveScience.com that eye make-up improves looks in a "quantifiable and real-world relevant way".

I don't know about you, but I think that's a good enough excuse to stock up on mascara. What do you think about the trend for big lashes? Are you an aspiring Cheryl or do you prefer to go for a more natural look?

Abi Redecen - Online Beauty Editor

*Clinical Study, 21 people

Cosmetics · Lipstick · Makeup · Mascara