Should You Be Investing In A Lash Serum?
The short answer is YES! Long luscious fluttery eyelashes never date. We’re all striving to channel our inner Jessica Rabbit and get lashes that defy gravity and make our mascara go that extra mile and it seems a lash serum will do just this.
It comes to no surprise that sales of fake eyelashes have increased by 240% and lash studios are popping up everywhere, with the focus heavily on eyes since we began wearing face masks. Our eyes are now doing all the talking. Celebrity makeup-artist Emma Osborne agrees, “I would highly recommend a lash serum if you want fuller longer lashes… the only thing is you do have to use it every night and be consistent. The science is behind them, and they really do work and worth the investment.”
Want to know more? Read on…
How do they work?
Like the hair on your head, eyelashes are made up of proteins and amino acids. So, for long, fluttery lashes, you’ll need to strengthen and nourish the condition of your lashes – which is where a lash serum comes in. Eyelash serums sit in two camps: the formulas which contain specific growth-enhancing ingredients designed to stimulate lash growth and the other type of serum that contains ingredients that nourish and help to repair lashes, allowing your natural lashes to grow longer and stronger.
How to apply them?
Most serums come with a wand applicator or a slim brush, allowing you to paint a thin layer of the formula over the top of your upper lashline and near your waterline, if you so wish. Some formulas also encourage you to use it on your eyebrows too, especially if you have sparse thin brows in need of a little hair boost. It’s fuss-free and best of all quick to apply.
When to use them?
It’s best to apply a lash serum in the evening on clean, dry lashes, so it makes sense that this should be the final step of your nightime routine. Perhaps keep it on your bedside table as a pre-sleep reminder to nourish your lashes before you nod off.
How soon will you see results?
It’s definitely not the case that the more product you apply, the more your lashes will grow. – You’ll simply be wasting your expensive serum if you use it too sparingly. Most brands will specify an approximate time that you can expect to see results, but each person reacts differently to beauty products, so it may take a little bit of guess work. Some might see results faster than others – though as a ballpark, three months (our lashes have a 90-day cycle) is a good time to look back at your progress. Remember there’s no instant, overnight results here, you need to be patient.
Here are our top picks of the lash serums that really deliver…
Clinique High Impact Lash Serum. £36
Why all the fuss? Like a deep hair treatment for hair. Packed with nourishing haircare ingredients and gentle enough to use every evening. Add this to your bedside table beauty stash.
Primark Beauty PS…Lash Growth Serum, £15
Why all the fuss? Great entry level into the world of lash serums. Your lashes will look healthier and your eye area brighter. Don’t expect dramatic results, but you will see a difference over time.
L’Oreal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum, £20
Why all the fuss? Like a face mask but for your lashes. This hardworking formula uses castor oil, boosting vitamin B5 and moisturising hyaluronic acid to encourage growth. Plus, we’re suckers for the click-pen dispenser.
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, £89
Why all the fuss? A tube is sold around the world every 33 seconds. But it will cost you! The serum was created by Dr Brinkenhoff, an ophthalmologist, who was looking to help his wife regain her lash confidence after cancer. And the results are worth every penny. Worth saving up for.
RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, £40
Why all the fuss? Punching well above its price, this has become an industry favourite. It strengthens your lashes using a blend of polypeptides and stimulates growth with biotin. Expect a noticeable change within a few weeks.
BBB London Luscious Lash Oil, £24
Why all the fuss? Not technically a lash serum, but this all-natural gentle oil does the same job as a serum – stimulates lash growth, conditions and hydrates dry lashes and adds shine. And a fair price point too. Just don’t use with eyelash extensions.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clinical Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum, £90
Why all the fuss? Packed with a powerful cocktail of vitamins A, C and E, peptides and conditioners that keep dry lashes nourished and well-primed for mascara. And the teeny brush means you can get right into the lash line.
Lancôme Cils Booster Activating Serum, £37
Why all the fuss? Luxe gold packaging, tick! Hardworking conditioner, tick! This serum is infused with hyaluronic acid, a blend of amino acids and cica plant extract. This will kickstart your lash growth in no-time.
Vichy Liftactiv Anti-aging Serum 10 eyes and lashes, £27
Why all the fuss? This multi-tasker simultaneously targets crow’s feet and boosts lashes. It contains rhamnose (an anti-inflammatory ingredient) and ceramides to moisturise and help hold back the years. It’s unscented, gentle, and non-irritating, making this a great choice for sensitive skin.
Shiseido Full Lash Serum, £42
Why all the fuss? 15 years in the making, this serum contains Zizphus Jujube fruit (also known as the Chinese date) that stimulates growth and leaves you with longer and denser lashes after just four months. The only drawback is, you’re advised to use both am and pm. So, if you’re time poor, this isn’t for you.
Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow And Lash Enhancing Serum,£115
Why all the fuss? The epitome of luxury, Augustinus Bader slays the skincare game with their recent launch. Packed with all the luxury skin goodies you can ask for, the price tag is certainly nothing to scoff at, but with a serum that pampers both your lashes and brows? We couldn’t ask for more!
Honest Beauty Honestly Healthy Lash Serum, £25
Why all the fuss? A skincare-makeup hybrid, Honest Beauty’s Honestly Healthy Lash Serum is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only does it give your lashes a natural-looking tint, but it coats your lashes with skincare treasures like glycerin and niacinamide for a healthier-looking lash.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.