I wasn't given much in the eyelash department either.But I diffently think wearing mascara, and then having to take it off,makes them disappear.In my opion you can be as gentle as you want to be removing it, but a couple eyelashes always seem to fall out.
There are two things that I have done.
1)I have went without wearing mascara in everyday life and I would just save it for when i was going somewhere important.It also helped me feel like I was more dressed up as well, b/c I added something that I didn't wear everyday.It took me a little while to get use to not wearing it but it difently helped my eyelashes.
2)I recently got them tinted.It will probably run you about $15,but I am from canada so it may be cheaper in the states.It didn't make them look thicker but they did look darker.I really liked this to b/c the only way you could see my bottom eyelashes was when I had mascara on.
Just a couple of suggestions.I would REALLY consider laying off of the mascara if you use it.Takes a while to get use to it, but its worth it!:7
Lori