If there’s one thing I’ve been consistently complimented on over the past year, it’s my eyelashes. And once you learn how to apply lash serum, you’ll reap the same benefits.
I’ve lost count of how many times people have asked me, “Are those your real eyelashes?” or ‘Are you wearing false lashes to the office?!’—and I have a zero tolerance policy for gatekeeping.
My response is always the same: Yes, these are my real lashes. It’s a combination of two things: insanely good mascara, but more importantly, consistent application of my go-to lash serum.
I started using a lash serum a year ago, but I saw noticeable results in just two weeks. By the time I’d used it for 3 months, my lashes were so long and thick that people started commenting on them.
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What are lash serums and how do they work?
“Lash serums are topical treatments that are applied to your eyelashes to enhance their natural growth,” says Dr. Amy Vowler, hair restoration doctor at Hair GP. “They do this by nourishing the lash follicle and stimulating dormant follicles, encouraging them to produce stronger hairs. Lash serums create lasting change by extending the hairs’ growth phase, leading to gradual but semi-permanent thicker, longer lashes.”
Dr. Vowler explains that cosmetic-grade lash serums—the ones readily available to us—are peptide-based and contain ingredients such as amino acids, botanical extracts and vitamins. They reduce breakage and make lashes look fuller and shinier, but they don’t change the lash cycle directly.
“The growth phase of an eyelash is shorter than the hair on your scalp, lasting only 30 to 45 days before being replaced,” she explains. “With consistent lash serum use, most people notice an improvement in six to 12 weeks, but because you’re not altering your lash cycle, you’ll notice your lashes gradually returning to their old pattern once you stop using the serum.”
Are there key ingredients to look out for?
Not all lash serums are built the same, but because the market has become so saturated, it can be difficult to know which one to pick.
“The ones to look for are ones with ingredients that nourish and strengthen lashes by improving follicle health and hair shaft condition,” advises Dr. Vowler. These include:
- Peptides (e.g. Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17): signal proteins that support keratin production
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): hydrates and strengthens the lash shaft
- Hyaluronic acid: moisturizes lashes and prevents brittle breaking
- Amino acids (argine): support blood flow to the follicle root
- Plant extracts, such as pumpkin seed or green tea: provide antioxidants and mild follicle stimulation.
My go-to lash serum
I’ve tried a few lash serums that have landed on my desk, but none have yielded such quick and effective results as the Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Serum. At $59 for a 1.5 month supply, increasing to $100 for a three month supply and $152 for a six month supply, it isn’t the cheapest lash serum on the market, but for the sake of my honest, unsponsored review, it’s the best I’ve used.
The brand describes their lash serum as “a one-of-a-kind, ophthalmologist-developed eyelash conditioner that enhances the look of lashes and protects against breakage, while improving health, flexibility and strength.”
The formula is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and features the brand’s proprietary BioPeptin Complex, a breakthrough blend of vitamins and nutrients that “fortifies, hydrates, and beautifies lashes, along with giving them a natural curl, bringing you the patented Curl Effect.”
How to apply lash serum
“A consistent routine is the key to achieving optimal results,” explains Claire Larsen, global master educator at Revitalash. “For best results, we recommend applying once each day or night—and don’t bother wasting your money, using it more than once a day won’t yield ‘better’ or faster results. Apply a thin line directly to your clean, dry eyelashes, above the lash line only, avoiding lower lash application.”
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