To help you on your quest for eyelash growth and length without the help of extensions, we've put together this simple buying guide for eyelash serums to show you what to look out for in terms of ingredients, formula, and brush type.
We've also searched through top drugstore and high-end brands on Amazon and eBay such as L'Oreal, Vichy, and Rapidlash to discover the most popular, safe, and effective eyelash serums that really work. Whether you'd like a nourishing castor oil conditioner or a stimulating hyaluronic acid serum, or you're trying to find a good vegan and cruelty-free enhancer, we've got what you need.
A qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist. I provide professional makeup services for all occasions, whether it be for a bride on their wedding day or backstage at a photo shoot. I also enjoy teaching through hosting live talks on my social media, masterclass events, and 1-1 training. My favourite style of makeup is most definitely vibrant. I love a colourful eyeshadow palette... or 10!
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Claire is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist; she provides professional makeup services for all occasions, from bridal to backstage at photoshoots. Claire also teaches masterclass events as well as 1-1 training. She's a big fan of the vibrant style and loves a colourful palette... or 10!
Keep up-to-date with Claire through her Facebook and Instagram page, where you can learn the latest tips and tricks when it comes to makeup applications and also get inspired to try new looks!
To ensure great coverage, eyelash serums are intended to be applied across the lash line and even on the lashes, so it makes sense to use something that will get into every crease and apply a thick, even layer. Take a look at some options below to find what might work best for you.
For more makeup brushes, have a look at our article on makeup brush sets.
You will commonly find that lash serums either come with an applicator wand similar to what you would find in a liquid eyeliner tube, a spoolie (a brush that resembles one of a lash or brow mascara wand) or an applicator with a softer head (resembling a lipgloss wand).
If you’re no stranger to applying eyeliner, the thin brush or sponge applicator will suit your routine well. Opt for a brush head applicator if you prefer root to tip coverage or on the go use.
Serums won't include all of these additional ingredients but will still have the ability to enhance your lashes through other moisturising or strengthening ingredients. We would recommend checking each product and using our spec tables to see if you can find any of them!
If your eyelash serum is cruelty-free, you're immediately contributing to the protection of animals at risk of cosmetic testing, so we've made sure to include plenty of options on our list for those that this resonates with.
It’s always ideal to carry out little research before committing a product. Check on the packaging for fundamental ingredients such as those listed above, proven to stimulate lash moisture, strength and growth. When you have some basic knowledge behind you, this will aid in your search to uncover the product specific to your particular needs, wants and concerns.
Eyelash serums are formulated with moisturising ingredients, so they're hydrating and safe for daily use on a freshly cleansed lash line. Some may also be used twice daily to give the best results, especially when you're sticking to a routine.
However, because they're so hydrating, they also tend to be slippery and could smear your make-up, so it's best to look for those that can be applied underneath your makeup, and which will absorb quickly, allowing you to put your mascara or other makeup on top without worry.
Here are some cruelty-free mascaras and mascaras for volume to give your lashes that extra boost.
Do cruelty-free products make a difference? It’s a big yes. Choosing to support cruelty-free beauty has its advantages. The active changes in your lifestyle contribute towards upholding the well being of animals and being rightfully conscientious about what’s best for your skin.
With harsh chemicals eliminated from products, they can be deemed more suitable for sensitive skin, use during pregnancy and exposure to the long term effects of these chemicals can pose on our health.
Our winning product not only nourishes and conditions the lashes to give them an instantly fuller effect, but it also stimulates the root of your lash hairs to boost growth in a matter of weeks. You can even use it on your eyebrows – it's a celebrity favourite, and our favourite, for good reason!
Not forgetting the fact that it features three of the key ingredients that induce eyelash regeneration and strength: biotin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid. Delivered in a beautifully branded box, it makes for a sweet gift for a friend or even as a little treat for yourself!
Alongside these lash-loving ingredients, it also contains collagen, omega 3's and plant extracts, and it's also completely vegan and cruelty-free. For thicker and fuller lashes without any sulfates, parabens, or harsh chemicals, this one's definitely worth a look!
With the help of castor oil, panthenol and hyaluronic acid, this vitamin-rich formula will give you thicker-looking lashes that look like professional lash extensions. Using the ultra-soft brush, you can coat your lashes in this smooth serum to aid lash repair and regrowth.
Keep your lashes luscious and hydrated with this affordable, easy-to-use eyelash serum by L'Oreal, a popular favourite in the world of cosmetics who deliver once again.
This award winning formula is made from a blend of lash-enhancing ingredients to help fight damaging environmental elements and premature fallout by nourishing and strengthening lashes. Using the applicator brush, apply a thin layer of serum to the base of the upper and lower lash line.
Rapidlash is clinically proven to be safe and effective to cosmetically boost the look of your lashes. You'll also be glad to know it's fragrance-free, paraben-free and is safe for contact lens wearers.
We love that this serum comes in a fair trade bamboo tube which are ethically sourced and sustainably carved by hand. It also comes in a fully recycled hard case luxury gift box with magnetic closure, so it would make the perfect gift!
Achieve voluminous lashes and denser eyebrows with the full lash serum from Shiseido. The unique formula enriched with arginine conditions and hydrates to help lengthen, fill and strengthen lashes.
Repair damage caused by heavy mascara usage, extensions and false lashes. Simply swipe the applicator across your upper and lower lash line as well as through your brows to transform sparse, short and thin lashes and hair.
It's a slight shame that this product doesn't have much more to offer than castor oil, but it's still a wonderful option for those who prefer a completely plant-based product, alongside those with sensitive skin who are trying to grow their eyelashes the natural way!
This serum can improve the elasticity around the eye within ten minutes, toning the eyelids and firming the skin. While acting as a great anti-ageing aid, this product can also rejuvenate the hair follicles and support the growth of your lashes.
On the downside, there isn't an applicator included with Vichy's serum, so you'll have to source your own brush or spoolie, or else you'd have to use your fingers which isn't very practical or hygienic!
Using a blend of aloe vera and watercress extract, this serum refreshes and calms the skin around the eyes whilst providing a moisturising coat, so it'd be great for those with sensitive skin.
It helps aid in lash repair and gradually stimulates growth, with some reviewers finding it effective when used on the brows, too. However, because once again this product lacks in the recommended ingredients, it sits lower down on our list.
With ginseng extract, silk proteins, and botanical oils, this premium lash serum is great for giving your lashes a boost the natural way. With results appearing in around 2 weeks, there'll be a significant improvement in your lashes before you know it!
It's also a great primer to use before other lash products. The list of ingredients for this formula doesn't mention any of the top-rated ingredients for hair growth, which is why we think that some people may prefer a stronger product.
They are safe if they are applied correctly! You should carefully read the instructions by the brand that you’re using. Although, you can apply them 2-3 times a day on clean lashes. However, remember not to apply when you’re wearing contacts.
Written and researched by Annie Speight
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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