With all the advancements in the beauty industry, you can pretty much “fix” anything that’s bothering you about your appearance. One of our favorite inventions over the last few years is lash serum. If you were previously “blessed” with short, stubby lashes that barely hold mascara, serums allow for a quick, easy, at-home fix that can help you grow longer, fuller, and thicker lashes.
But how do they work? And should you use a lash serum? Here’s everything you need to know about adding this simple step to your everyday beauty routine.
Meet the Expert
Emily Condon is the director of product development at GRANDE COSMETICS.
What Is Eyelash Serum?
According to Emily Condon, director of product at GRANDE COSMETICS, lash serums have grown so popular over the past few years because of the “do it yourself” accessibility. You can purchase a serum over the counter and apply it at home for results. But just because something is over the counter doesn’t mean you should incorporate it (or any product) into your beauty routine without consulting your personal doctor or dermatologist. Before starting a lash serum, make sure to check in with your doctor who can read the ingredients list and understand any potential interactions with you or any medications you’re taking.
Serums can help grow, lengthen, and darken eyelashes for a fuller lash effect without having to wear mascara, thanks to a mix of ingredients. “Lash serums should include ingredients that promote eyelash nourishment to condition and soften them,” says Condon. The ingredients found in lash serums typically include a mix of vitamins, peptides, biotin, amino acids, argan oils, and more. “The eye area can be sensitive, so you should also choose a lash serum that has been thoroughly tested in eye area safety tests,” she adds.
How to Apply Eyelash Serums
1. Wash your face.
According to Condon, you should never apply a lash serum on top of existing makeup, especially mascara. Make sure to remove makeup and wash and dry your face before using a lash serum.
2. Read your lash serum’s instructions.
The best way to use lash serum is to follow the instructions from your doctor or on the packaging if you’re choosing an over-the-counter option.
3. Remove excess product.
Condon says this is an important step: When you lift the serum applicator out of the bottle, make sure it’s not overflowing or dripping with product, taking care to wipe excess product off and back into the bottle or tube. “One dip is enough for both lash lines,” explains Condon. “Often, we see that people apply the product in excess or more than once a day, but this will not yield faster results.”
4. Apply the serum.
Make sure to apply the serum to top and bottom lashes evenly, as directed by the product instructions.
5. Wait for the serum to dry.
Condon says the serum should be fully dry and absorbed in about two to three minutes, then you can continue your day, go to sleep, etc.
More Lash Serum Tips & Tricks
Don’t apply serums more often than the bottle suggests. This is not only unnecessary, but won’t yield better results, as Condon mentioned.
Stay consistent! “Consistency is key when it comes to using a lash serum,” says Condon. “Keep it in a place where you're most likely to remember to apply it like next to your toothbrush.”
Be patient! Condon says the first three months of product use are the most important. “After three months, you can switch to using the serum every other day for maintenance,” she says.
Final Thoughts
Lash serums can be a great solution for anyone looking to grow longer, darker, stronger lashes. However, you should always check in with your dermatologist before applying a lash serum or beginning a lash serum regimen. If you want to do it under the care of a doctor, going the prescription route may be best for you. As with applying any new product or using any new ingredients in your routine, there is always a risk of allergy, irritation, or more. That’s why it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor no matter what type of lash serum you plan on using.
If you stop using a serum, you will lose its effects due to the growth cycle of lashes. Make sure to be consistent with applying it if you want lasting, more permanent results.
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