Fake eyelashes. The clue's in the name isn't it? But that hasn't stopped millions of us from gluing the hairy wee blighters to our eyes in a bid to look more alluring. 

Not content with the DIY option, we've also turned to beauty therapists up and down the land to painstakingly attach individual semi-permanent lashes to our lashline. What if there was an alternative? Good news - there is.

Fake eyelashes have their benefits: they definitely create impact, and they're perfect for bad taste parties - can you think of a better impromptu Hitler 'tache? I remember when I heard Katie Price wore three pairs and thought it was crazy, and within a year Eylure brought out a double layer lash range. Alternatively, the semi-permanent lashes are hard to beat, but - to dust off my beauty war cry - you get what you pay for, so expect to shell out at least £50 for a good set, and you'll need maintenance top ups after a couple of weeks. Like hair extensions, the over-use use of eyelash extensions in any form can cause traction hair loss, and you'll certainly not find anyone doing a Groupon for eyelash transplants.

I've noticed a worrying increase in mobile lash businesses offering bargain prices for this popular treatment on social media, a cause for concern because reputable salons are stringent about what products they use. If the most attractive element of a treatment is price, you'll measure its quality in how long results last without needing additional expenditure. This is why a certain portion of those offering cheaper lash treatments use stronger glue bought online, as it extends the period before top-up treatments are required, keeping their budget-conscious clientele happy.

Value for money it might be, but unregulated products right next to your eyes? I'll pass thanks. Nearly a decade later my nails are still trashed from patronising a nail bar that had student-friendly prices and super-strength space glue that could guarantee a full set of nails up to six weeks on. Ah, the folly of my youth.

So what about this lash lifeline I promised? When I first heard about fibre lash extensions I presumed they'd be a. messy, b. not as impressive as claimed and c. impossible to remove. Turns out I was wrong on all three counts. Cherry Blooms has just launched its Brush on Fibre Eyelash Extensions in the UK and USA this month, after massive success in their native Australia (it's claimed that the Duchess of Cambridge picked up a set on her last tour down under). The product was also in this year's Oscars gift bag, so the thought that John Travolta is rolling around his house pretending to know nothing about musical theatre and fluttering some meaty lashes had me sold.

The application isn't much more effort than a standard mascara. I applied around 20 strokes of a Transplanting Mascara Gel, and before this dried I grabbed the tube of fibres (which looks like black fluff) and applied around 15 strokes. The first coat lengthened my eyelashes much more than my normal mascara. At this point you can either seal the fibres with another coat of gel, or start the process again with more gel and fibres. I applied two generous coats of fibres, and I felt any more would venture into Daisy the cow territory, but with Halloween coming up it's good to know I have this option.

My newly lengthened lashes looked great, but when it was time to call it a night I was slightly apprehensive about removing them. Turns out all it takes is a light dab of warm water, a brief pause, and then they rub right off. It's even easier than removing mascara, and almost as quick as pulling a pair of falsies off. The product is suitable for contact lens wearers as the fibres are 100% natural and the gel seals them to the lashes so there's no irritation.

With a three-year shelf life, and each set containing a four-month supply, it's well worth the £39 price tag. Your eyelashes look much more realistic than fake lashes and it's far cheaper and quicker than individual extensions, plus it's a doddle to take off. Two thumbs up!

www.cherryblooms.co.uk