I very rarely (if ever) put on makeup, but when I do, I usually apply it with my fingertips instead of those torture devices that usually come with it. lol If you really feel the need to darken your lashes, why not just use a very dark brown eye shadow on your fingertips and start from the base of the eyelashes and wipe out. Also, a little makeup goes a long way if you know where to put it. For example, just a little of a darker color in the crease of your eyelids will make a big difference if you rarely wear makeup. Also, just a dash of a darker pink color on the lower part of your cheekbone towards the hairline.

The biggest thing, though, is that if you are set on using makeup, DON'T wait until the day of to fiddle with it. Play with it a little each day leading up to it. Figure out what you can and can't stand. That way, when it's time, it's not something new and (therefore) that much more annoying.