I use the Lash Expansion Mascara from from Maybelline and I like it. It colours the lashes and makes them long, bu they don't look artificial or anything. As far as the eye lash curlers are concerned, they do not make your lashes short or cut them as long as you know how to use them. You curl them once at the tips, the middle and close to the eye, but make sure not to curl them too close to the roots since that will weaken the roots, which in return would make the lashes fall out. If you decide to use an eyelash curler, always use it before you apply mascara.
hope I could help ;)