I have similar lashes. Short and light colored, so hard to see. Curlers don't work for long either. I have even tried heating the curler with a hair dryer first. It holds longer, but ouch if you get it too hot and touch your eyelid.
I have yet to find a mascara that I like. Most are too heavy and flake off after a while, even the waterproof type. They just irritate my eyes.
So, I switched to false lashes. I'm wearing them in my profile pic. I get the ones that aren't long and only have a few lashes, compared to the type you mentioned. They are just enough to add some volume without looking like a caterpillar nesting on my eyelids. Sometimes, I get the fuller ones and trim them down with scissors to get the look I want. You can shape them so they look more natural.
The most difficult part is getting them into the proper position before the glue sets. It takes practice and a steady hand. Coming off, then can pull your lashes with them, so be careful. You don't need to add mascara or anything that might cause them to stick to your natural lashes.
Then I discovered magnetic lashes. Wow, that was a game-changer. Instead of putting glue on the lash, you apply it like eyeliner just above your lash line and let it dry. It contains iron compounds. The lashes have tiny neodymium magnets that stick to the eyeliner. That makes it easier to pull them off and realign them as needed. They are a little harder to find a good variety of styles, but they are more durable than regular falsies.
Give them a try. Once you get the hang of it, it doesn't take long and provides a very nice look. You can even get them in some wild colors if you are feeling adventurous.
