I need to get into the mascara business. During these crappy economic times it's the only beauty product whose sales have actually gone up. Three guesses why:

1. Uh, most of us wear it (duh)

2. They keep coming out with newer! better! thicker! longer! formulas like these

3. You have to replace it at least every three months

Wait, rewind that. Every three months, for reals? Do I actually need to do this? Or is it a money-sucking scam? Anyone out there keep it four months or more?

• Scam or not, these mascaras are worth buying

• Make the most of that three-month life with these tips for perfect lashes

• Save money (so you can buy more mascara?) with these cheap products