We here at Deal Divas are delighted to take your questions! Here's a good one from reader Lisa in Wesley Chapel:

Question: Hey, I am trying to find a decent lower cost substitute for my luscious Lancome Definicils ($23.50), no thanks to high gas prices. Do you know of an alternative that doesn't end up making me look like Rocky Raccoon by the day's end?

Answer: I'm cheap, but my heroes include Dolly Parton and Tammy Faye Messner. These factors have led me on a pathetic, years-long mission to find the perfect drug store mascara.  I've tried them all. Maybelline Full 'N' Soft, Volum' Express, Lash Discovery, L'oreal Double Extend, Cover Girl Multiplying.  I'm exhausted.

Almost invariably, I go back to Maybelline Great Lash - you know, the stuff in the neon pink tube. It's sturdy, non-flaking, defining, plumping, and less than $5. My only complaint is that I can't find the waterproof variety in a curved brush. So, I usually take a tissue, grab the brush and curve it myself. Beauty is labor!

Recently, I've also tried Cover Girl LashBlast in the fat orange tube, and it's phenomenal. The brush is big as my gourd. It ranges from $6 to $8. For the drag gals out there, it creates serious lashage. If you're more understated, you may want to stick with Great Lash.

Tip: apply one coat, let it dry, THEN curl, then apply another. The first coat will help the curl stay in place. You'll look like an anime character!

For a more subtle look, run your curler under warm water for a few seconds, dry it off, then curl before applying the first coat of mascara. The mild heat will act like a curling iron. Happy blinking!

~ Deal Diva Stephanie

(Photo: Times staff, Maybelline, Cover Girl)