Eyelash growth serums are nothing new, but a slew of new start-ups are reviving the market and refocusing our attention on the frequently astounding outcomes of these growth-promoting serums.
A quick Google image search turns up several incredible before-and-after pics, with users saying that these clever lash serums have doubled or even tripled the length of their natural lashes within a few weeks of consistent use.
What is their secret? Can you genuinely stop wearing mascara after using a lash growth serum? And more importantly, do eyelash serums work?
This article will explore the world of eyelash growth serums and answer all these questions. Read on to find out how eyelash serums work, what active ingredients you should look for in an eyelash serum for growth, whether eyelash serums are different from lashing conditioners, and other ways you can keep your natural lashes healthy.
What are eyelash growth serums?
Eyelash growth serums are designed to nourish the eyelashes, helping them grow longer, thicker and more robust to give an overall luscious appearance.
Growth serums usually come in the form of a transparent liquid applied directly to the eyelashes with an applicator brush and are often touted as a viable eyelash extension alternative.
What active ingredients should you look for in an eyelash serum?
The active ingredients in eyelash growth serums vary depending on the brand, but generally, they contain proteins, peptides and vitamins that nourish eyelashes and promote growth.
Biotin and panthenol are vital ingredients that help thicken eyelashes over time, whilst hyaluronic acid helps keep them moisturised.
How do eyelash growth serums work?
Eyelash serums stimulate the hair follicles of the eyelashes, encouraging them to produce new lashes with more length, thickness and strength. They help eyelashes retain moisture, which prevents them from becoming brittle and breaking off easily.
Do eyelash serums really work?
The short answer is yes! Eyelash growth serums have been proven to increase eyelash length, thickness and strength with consistent use. However, results will vary from person to person, and eyelash growth can take several weeks or longer for optimal results.
It's also important to note that eyelash growth serums alone only partially replace the need for mascara as they don't add any colour or volume to your lashes as mascara does.
Are eyelash serums safe to use?
Yes, eyelash serums are generally safe as they contain natural ingredients that nourish eyelashes and promote growth.
However, some people may experience mild irritation or redness in the eye area due to a sensitivity to certain ingredients, so it's best to patch test before using any eyelash serum.
It's worth trying a few different brands to get a feel for which one is good for you. We love the following serums:
- Lash Paradise Eyelash Serum
- UKlash Eyelash Serum
- Shiseido Lash Full Serum
- L'Oreal Clinically Proven Serum
- SWEED Pro Eyelash Growth Serum
Can you use eyelash serum on your eyebrows?
Yes and no, eyelash serums usually contain conditioning ingredients designed to be used only on eyelashes. If you want an eyelash serum on your eyebrows, look for one specifically designed for eyebrows or lash extensions.
However, some serums do both. Importantly, they say that on the box.
We love:
- Shiseido Lash Full Serum
- Hairburst Lash and Brow Serum
- The Ordinary Muti Peptide Serum
- Eyebrow Emporium Leading Role Brow Enhance Serum
How to apply eyelash serum - a step-by-step guide
- Start removing makeup or eyelash extensions with an oil-free eyelid cleanser.
- Using the provided applicator brush, apply a thin layer of serum to your upper eyelashes as close to the lash line as possible.
- Be sure to cover every eyelash evenly, and avoid getting any of the serum in your eye.
- Allow the eyelash serum to dry completely before applying mascara (if desired).
- For optimal results, use eyelash serum twice daily - once in the morning and once at night just before bedtime.
Are eyelash serums different from lash conditioners?
Yes, eyelash serums and eyelash conditioners are two different things. Eyelash serums contain active ingredients that promote eyelash growth, whilst eyelash conditioners help maintain eyelashes' health by nourishing them with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Our favourite lash conditioners are as follows:
- WLASH Eyelash Conditioner
- RevitaLash Eyelash Conditioner
- LashFood Eyelash Conditioner
Can you buy a lash serum and lash tint combined?
Yes, it's called a tinted lash growth serum, and it will help you achieve the look of longer eyelashes without having to use mascara—a multipurpose tool to add to our makeup bag.
We love Lust Lashed, a tinted eyelash serum formulated with natural ingredients like jojoba oil and panthenol to stimulate eyelash growth while helping them retain colour. Click the link to read more about lash tint kits.
What else can I use to make my natural lashes healthy?
In addition to eyelash serums, there are many ways you can keep your natural lashes healthy. Investing in eyelash cleaning products such as a lash brush or cleansing wipes can help remove excess makeup and oil from your eyelashes, keeping them clean and free from clogged pores, which can lead to breakage.
Here are our favourite eyelash cleansers:
- Eyelash Emporium Retake Studio Strip Lash Cleanser
- Flawless Beauty Micellar Lash Wash Gel
- Eyelash Emporium Off-Camera Lash Cleanser Set
You may also want to try eyelash tinting to boost length, volume and colour. Of course, eyelash extensions are also an excellent option for adding length and volume to your eyelashes with minimal effort. More on that subject later.
Ultimately, eyelash serums can effectively promote eyelash growth, but it's important to remember that results vary from person to person and may not happen overnight.
However, if you're looking for the ultimate solution for longer, thicker eyelashes - eyelash serum is definitely worth considering.
What else can I do to enhance my natural lashes?
In addition to eyelash serums, several other products and treatments can help enhance your natural eyelashes.
Lash extensions, for example, are a popular choice for adding long-lasting length and volume with minimal effort. Eyelash tinting is another excellent way to add dimension and colour to eyelashes without needing mascara or eyeliner.
You can have an eyelash lift procedure, LVL lashes treatment, or use mascara and eyelash curlers, other alternatives to eyelash serums that can help add length and volume with minimal effort.
Finally, eyelash health and cleaning products such as lash brushes and cleansing wipes are essential for keeping natural eyelashes healthy. These products help remove excess dirt, makeup and oil from the eyelashes, preventing them from becoming clogged or breaking off easily.
Overall, eyelash serums can be a great way to enhance your eyelashes with minimum effort naturally. However, it's important to remember results will vary from person to person.
What can you do if your natural lashes have fallen out?
If you don't have any eyelashes due to alopecia or chemotherapy, several treatments can help.
Eyelash transplantation is one option, which is a surgical procedure where eyelash hairs are transplanted from other areas of the body onto the eyelids. This type of surgery requires two visits to the doctor and usually takes around 1-2 hours per session.
Another option is eyelash extensions, which involve synthetic eyelashes glued onto your eyelids with an adhesive. Eyelash extensions can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks before needing to be replaced.
Finally, some people opt for permanent eyeliner tattooing to fill in gaps in their lashes.
If all else fails, try false eyelashes
Suppose you've been through all the options and want something other than a lash lift, LVL lashes, or eyelash tints. You don't want to use eyelash serum or conditioner. What's left?
Mascara - the old favourite
You can always use mascara to enhance your lashes and make them look longer and fuller. Or, if you want a more dramatic look, go for false eyelashes! There are so many different types.
Here are our favourite mascaras':
- Rimmel London Supercurler Mascara 001 Black
- SWEED Pro lash Lift Mascara
- Ardell Beauty Top and Bottom Precision Mascara
False eyelashes
Falsies come in all shapes and sizes, from natural lash looks to full-on glamour eyelash sets! They last up to 7 days with proper care and maintenance - so they're perfect for special occasions or when you want an extra wow factor.
Here are our favourite false strip lashes:
- Ardell Lashes Demi Wispies (Multipack)
- Kiss Falscara Natural Wispie Wisps (Multipack)
- Eylure Lengthening Lashes 116
- Dose of Lashes 3D Faux Mink Lashes
- Kiss My Lashes But Better Blessed
- Kiss Lash Couture Luxtensions Collection
So there it is - everything you need to know about lash serums and growing longer eyelashes naturally. We've covered all topics, including what to do if you don't have natural lashes.
We hope this guide has been helpful and given you some ideas to keep your eyelashes looking luscious. Tell us what you think - comment on Facebook or send a message via Instagram.
Good luck on your eyelash journey.
