How To Boost Eyelash Growth & Improve Condition

If you’re looking to boost your eyelash growth, and improve their condition – read on for the scientifically proven eyelash growth serums, along with tips from experts – for bigger, bouncier, false-lash effect lashes.

Luscious lashes have been an indicator of health and fertility since day one, akin to symmetrical faces and shiny hair. Although their main job is to protect our eyes from dirt, eyelashes also accentuate our sclera (the whites of our eyes), and the whiter they appear, the healthier, younger (and sexier!) we look to others. In addition, lashes also help accentuate the ‘limbal ring’ aka—the dark ring around the iris. A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that prominent limbal rings made people appear more attractive to the opposite sex. Women rated men with limbal rings as more desirable short-term mates.

So, there you have it; science suggests that everyone should be looking after their lashes if they want to look their best. But how do you do that? Of course, investing in an eyelash serum is a logical first step, but what do eyelash serums do? And are they that effective? Here’s everything you need to know on accelerating eye lash growth.

Can a product boost eyelash growth?

Just like you condition your hair and moisturise your face, using an eyelash serum is another way to give yourself some TLC. If you think about it, your eyelashes can go through it sometimes, especially periods when you’ve been:

• wearing false lashes
• getting regular eyelash extensions
• sleeping in your make-up
• tinting and perming your lashes
• using lash curlers inappropriately, e.g., keeping heated versions on too long
• wearing tight sleep masks
• using harsh, long-wear formula mascaras

This is where conditioning lash serums can flutter in to help mitigate this lash-health faux pas and leave your lashes strong and silky. You can also find growth-boosting lash serums, which can help lengthen and thicken your lashes. Ever wondered why women, in particular, desire long, thick lashes of their own? It’s down to science. A study by Dr Farid Pazhoohi found that slightly longer eyelashes on female faces were ranked most attractive in a series of images rendered with varying lash lengths.

People who have had or are in recovery for Trichotillomania, aka. Trich, a condition that causes you to pull out your eyelashes, may also find eyelash serums useful, as they promote faster re-growth.

Even if you already have gorgeous lashes, eyelash serums can help keep them that way for longer. Swapping harsh, long-wear formulas for nourishing, plant-powered mascara like our Supra Volume Mascara, £24 can also help keep your lashes full and healthy.

<H3> Do eyelash serums work? How do you get longer lashes?

Some people can be a little sceptical when it comes to eyelash growth serums – mainly because some formulations can take a while to kick in. Generally, these lash-boosting growth serums take a few weeks to start working, and it will likely be a few months before you see significant change. It takes persistent use and perseverance, but one that contains lash-loving ingredients should work to improve the length, thickness, and overall health of your lashes in time.

Now let’s talk ingredients. Most eyelash growth serums work by strengthening and lengthening the lashes through hydration, making them less prone to breakage. Many ingredients can help with this – peptides, panthenol and biotin to encourage strength, as well as amino acids, oils, and ceramides that all work to lock in moisture to stimulate healthier lash growth.

How to use eyelash growth products

Using a lash serum is easy, but you need to give it the right conditions to work in. Following the below steps will ensure that your product is as effective as possible:

Remove all make-up

Avoid sleeping in your make-up, ensuring that any eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara are gone long before you hit the pillow. If you are wearing waterproof mascara, obliterate it (in the gentlest way possible) using a soothing, oil-based eye make-up remover like our Instant Eye Make-Up Remover, £22. It contains ultra-fine oils to instantly lift away every last bit of eye make-up and cleanse the skin, plus cornflower and rose waters to moisturise and soothe it. Using gentle products is essential if you want to avoid damaging your lashes, so stay away from make-up wipes and harsh make-up removers.

Ensure that your eyelashes are completely dry

Making sure that your eyelashes are completely clean and dry is crucial, as any moisture or oil residue will act as a preventative barrier between your eyelashes and the serum, reducing its efficacy.

Slick the serum along your lash line

Use the lash serum applicator to swipe the product across your upper lash line (where the roots of your lashes meet your eyelid). Then, apply a second coat, dragging the brush up and outwards slightly to cover the base of your lashes. There is no need to use a lash serum on your bottom lashes as the product will naturally disperse onto your lower lash line when you blink.

Don’t forget – if you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying a lash serum product to avoid irritation – and leave them 10 minutes after application before replacing them.

Eradicate irritation

To prevent the lash serum from getting into your eyes or irritating your skin, use a cotton pad to dab away any excess product after applying.

How to grow long eyelashes

The best products are scientifically proven – like the products listed below. And many believe natural formulas like castor oil will boost eyelash growth – however, the jury is still out. It might help the condition – which will help them grow longer and be less brittle and breakable – but for now, we recommend that lab-proven products are the best way to go.

 

The best eyelash growth serums to invest in now

 

NATUCAIN Lash Growth Serum, £59

Hormone-free and made with 100% natural origin ingredients, this lash serum means serious business. It contains the stimulating MKMS24, which “extends the hair growth phase and ensures significantly less hair loss and real hair re-growth.”

Typology Eyelashes & Brows Serum 2% Pea Peptides + Castor Oil, £16.80

Packed with 96% naturally-derived lash nourishing ingredients, this lash serum is packed with castor oil and peptides that stimulate growth and hydrate lashes from the root. It’s also in a recyclable glass bottle, keeping your lash-growing journey guilt free!

RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, £89

It might be on the spendy side, but this lash conditioner works wonders if you want to grow your lashes fast. With a non-drip formula, it’s a fail-safe way for anyone with sensitive eyes to jump on the lash-growing wagon.

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, £39.99

Brimming with vitamins, proteins and moisturising ingredients, this concoction is perfect for anyone who wants to see serious results in improving their lash health.

Clarins SOS Lashes Serum Mascara, £25

If you’re after something that’ll nourish your lashes and give them a tinted lift at the same time, this super-gentle serum mascara is what you need.

FAQ

What makes eyelashes grow faster naturally?

Eyelashes grow at a rate of about every 6-10 weeks. Some medications can inhibit the natural growth cycle, along with stress or lash damage. So, maintaining a healthy diet, plenty of protein, and a regime of conditioning will all help lashes prosper. A biotin nutritional supplement might be helpful, as they can promote hair and nail growth over time.

Can I Use Lash Serum on my Eyebrows?

Many eyelash serums can be applied to eyebrows, as the ingredients will also help to stimulate brow growth. Some lash serums are also marketed as two-in-one products that can be used on lashes and brows simultaneously.

Can I Use Lash Serum When Pregnant?

It’s essential to check with the brand and a health professional regarding the safety of using a lash serum product during pregnancy. Generally, you will want to steer clear of a common lash serum ingredient called prostaglandin, a growth hormone that can make its way into breast milk – so always check the ingredients list on the product before you buy it.