How Does A Lash Serum Work?
A lash or brow serum isn’t a magic instant growth potion. Rather it is a targeted treatment to condition, strengthen and hydrate the hair back to optimum health or to stimulate it during its growth phase. Nourishing serums are rich in vitamins and peptides, short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. They also often contain vitamin E and other botanical extracts to encourage healthy condition and growth. Some serums also feature prostaglandin, a drug originally used to treat glaucoma but a side effect of which was found to be rapid lash growth since the drug induced the anlagen (growing phase) of the lash follicle.
Whichever formula you opt for – chemical or natural – results are usually achieved over months, not weeks, and can cause irritation to sensitive eyes. Do ensure you do a test patch, read the instructions and be guided by your body’s response.
When And How Should I Apply It?
Instructions from brands differ. However, there are a few rules to adhere to no matter what.
1. Always apply to clean skin, not over make-up.
2. Go along the lash line, not on the lashes themselves.
3. Do sweep through clean brows in the direction of growth or concentrate on sparse areas.
4. Apply at least once a day (check your particular brand’s guidelines).
5. Apply consistently for two to three months to see results.
6. Do maintain application if you want the results to last.
TRY:
Honest Beauty
Honestly Healthy Lash Serum, £25
A clever hybrid-mascara serum with botanical actives that works to strengthen and lengthen whilst tinting for instant impact. Buy it.
The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, £12.40
A peptide complex from The Ordinary with no less than 11 key active ingredients to build lash and brow volume at a pocket-friendly price. Buy it.
Rapid Brow
Eyebrow Enhancing Serum, £37
As the brand name suggests, trials have shown results from this brow-enhancing serum in just 60 days. Powered by keratin, sweet almond and polypeptides, 93 per cent of those tested confirmed they experienced fuller, thicker and healthier looking brows. Perfect for those who regret the over plucking of their youth. Buy it.
Typology
Eyelashes and Brows Serum, £16.80
Featuring 96 per cent naturally derived ingredients – including castor oil and pea peptides – Typology’s Lash and Brow Serum nourishes and boosts growth, increasing density and volume naturally over time. Buy it.
ELF
Enhancing Lash and Brow Serum, £8
Another great high-street buy, this one is packed with antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins to nourish lashes and brows back to voluminous health. Buy it.
Revitalash
Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, £89
Dr. Brinkenhoff – an opthamologist for over 30 years – created the high-impact BioPeptin Complex to build lash strength, resilience and suppleness to minimise breakages and fragility. His creation was born of a loving quest to help his wife regain her confidence during a battle with cancer. Buy it.
Soap & Glory
Thick and Fast Lash & Brow Boosting Serum, £13
A peptide-rich conditioning treatment from Soap & Glory, this promises to leave you with boosted, fuller lashes and brows in eight short weeks. Buy it.
Rodial
Lash and Brow Booster, £50
Known for its cutting-edge skincare, Rodial’s lash and brow booster contains vitamin B5, castor oil, hyaluronic acid and a complex of proteins to restore and condition existing lashes. Expect them to appear fuller, healthier and glossy with shine. Buy it.
Image Skincare
Brow And Lash Enhancement Serum, £55
An intensive blend of peptides, conditioners and plant stem cell extracts that supports healthy hair follicles to protect against breakage for thicker, fuller lashes with daily use. Buy it.
By Lydia Mansi
October 2022
