Pump up those lashes or brows -- or both -- in a blink of an eye

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Who doesn’t want to be told they’re looking very jolie these days? Well, yes, it would be nice to be mistaken for Angelina. But that’s not what I mean -- jolie is the French word for “pretty.” Parisian beauty company Talika has been making women tres jolie (very pretty) since 1948. Founded by French doctor Danielle Roches, the brand has stayed true to its health roots, making sure each product is based on medical and scientific studies. The latest offerings that caught my eye are the Lash Extender and the Eyebrow Extender.

Let’s start with the Lash Extender ($28). No matter how hard I’ve tried, I can’t figure out faux eyelashes. By the time the night’s over, the extensions migrate away from my eyelids -- let’s just say that an overly curled unibrow is not attractive. Thank goodness the Extender is foolproof. Its goal: to add length and fullness. All you need to do is apply mascara (any kind) and then swipe on the Extender, which contains black fibers made of rayon that adhere to your moist lashes. The fibers mimic real hair and blend without detection -- especially since you’ll be adding a second layer of mascara to seal and cover. (An insider tip: look down when applying, so that no fibers fall into your eyes.) No worries though; this item has tested as safe for the eyes. And for those worried about removal -- the Extender comes off with your mascara in just the blink of an eye.

The Eyebrow Extender ($35) is a lifesaver for those of you who got a little too “creative” with your tweezers. As with the Lash Extender, the product also has rayon fibers. With three colors to choose from (brown, dark brown and black), the product is gel-based, which assists in grooming and adhesion. Comb your brows into a desirable shape -- the aim is to have the fibers cling to remaining hairs, adding thickness to the brows or plumping up a spot that’s patchy. The Extender, contained in a pen-like tube, needs just a few clicks to get you ready to look like Camilla Belle! And unlike traditional gels, the Extender never dries hard or feels crunchy. Consumers undergoing chemotherapy have praised the product for making their hair loss less noticeable. Anything that acts as an aid to patients battling cancer truly exemplifies beauty at its best.

-- Julie Neigher