Want long and voluminous lashes without having to go down the extensions route? Or, equally laborious, having to fiddle around with falsies? It’s time to invest in an eyelash growth serum. From thickening to lengthening, the best eyelash growth serums are designed to nourish your lashes from root to tip.
Do eyelash growth serums work?
In a word: yes. After years of extensions, my eyelashes were in a pretty bad state: thin, sparse, lacklustre. But after using an eyelash serum everyday for a month (and believe me, I was a sceptic), they started growing back threefold.
“Our eyelashes go through a cycle of around three months,” says Nima Pourian, founder of cult brand UKLash. “During the growth stage, our cells divide quickly to create new hair growth; in the transition phase the hair stops growing and detaches itself from the body’s blood supply, and in the final resting stage the fully formed hairs stay rooted, whilst new hairs begin to grow underneath them.”
Charged with a powerful blend of nutrients, eyelash serums work to reduce the fallout and encourage new growth during the growth phase, whilst strengthening and nourishing existing hairs during the resting phase. “Our serums can be used by anyone looking to achieve longer, fuller and healthier looking eyelashes,” says Pourian. “They can even be used by those who have gone through chemotherapy, to encourage regrowth afterwards. We have had some incredible stories from customers who have been able to grow their lashes back after losing them during chemo.”
Are eyelash serums safe?
Most serums are composed of natural ingredients such as lipids and peptides, which, in theory, shouldn’t cause a reaction. But, like most active beauty formulas, it is always advised to do a patch test before applying. “It is very rare that someone would have a reaction,” says Pourian. “But the eyes can be sensitive so it is always best to check first! It is also important to follow instructions correctly and not to overuse the serum.” If you’re concerned in any way you can always speak with a medical practitioner, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or have any other medical conditions ahead of trying a new serum.
What is the most effective lash serum?
With so many choices out there, from the high end to the more affordable, with some focusing on conditioning and others on strengthening, it’s about finding the right serum for you. Below, Vogue rounds up the best eyelash growth serums for super long lashes.
- Best for damaged lashes and thicker brows: Hairburst Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum
- Best budget lash growth serum: e.l.f. Enhancing Lash & Brow Serum
- Best all-in-one lash and brow growth serum: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clinical Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum
- Best for fast results: UKlash Eyelash Serum
- Best for dry lashes: Lancôme Cils Booster Lash Activating Serum
- Best for sparse lashes: Clinique High Impact Lash Amplifying Serum
- Best overall lash growth serum: RevitaLash RevitaLash Advanced
This article originally appeared in British Vogue.