The Best Eyelash Serums for Growth and Volume

No one has to wear makeup, but enhancing your natural beauty through skincare so that you don’t feel the need to wear as much or any makeup is a great way to feel and look your best - and shorten your morning routine, which is always a winner.

Sure, you might have all the serums and face masks a person could dream of to get that glowing complexion even without foundation, but one area you might have forgotten to give some attention to is your lashes!

We naturally lose about four lashes a day, which take three months on average to grow back, and eye makeup, harsh makeup removal and mechanical damage from falsies/extensions and sleep masks can cause extra shedding. Longer, thicker and fuller lashes wake up your whole face, but trying to fake the appearance of them with products can sometimes be the cause of lashes looking sparse or short. Not to mention how frustrating falsie application can be! So what’s a girl (or guy) to do?

Enter lash serums.

Eyelash growth serums (which often work for the brows too) promise to strengthen and nourish for long, luscious lashes with consistent use. But do they really work? And which eyelash serums are the best for getting fluttery lashes?

We’ve put together this guide to answer all your lash serum questions, plus our favourites to fit every budget and get you the lashes you deserve.

Do eyelash serums really work?

While not all products are created equal, choosing a well-reviewed eye serum will give you results over time with consistent use. The serum will support your lashes in their growth phase so that you get longer, darker lashes with less breakage. Think of them as a conditioner and hair gummy, but for the hair on your eyelids!

How do lash serums work?

Depending on the product you choose, the serum’s formula will work to stimulate lash growth, repair lashes or nourish them—or all of the above!

What ingredients should I look for in an eyelash serum?

Peptides

Your lashes are made up of about 80% keratin, which is a protein, so most serums will use peptides, which contain protein, to give your lashes the building blocks for growth. Peptides help stimulate growth and increase flexibility to reduce breakage.

Another benefit of this ingredient is that it doesn’t usually cause irritation or other side effects.

Biotin

A star ingredient in hair, skin and nail supplements, the B-vitamin biotin is often found in lash serums, strengthening the keratin that makes up your lash hairs.

Castor Oil

You might also see castor oil on a serum ingredient list, as well as starring in DIY brow and lash growing videos across YouTube. While a DIY remedy with regular castor oil might not be the safest as the oil isn’t as regulated, within serums this ingredient will definitely moisturise your lashes, which helps them appear thicker and fuller.

Hyaluronic acid

Dry and brittle lashes are more prone to breakage so hyaluronic acid, the famous hydrating ingredient, is perfect for keeping them nourished so they can grow long and shiny.

How do I use an eyelash serum?

It’s best to use lash serums at night after you’ve cleansed your face, but if you are going to use them in the mornings or have a twice-daily product, make sure to wait about five minutes before applying makeup.

Depending on the product’s applicator, usually a brush or a spoolie, you’ll apply the serum to your upper lash line or to the lashes themselves. Check the instructions to see if it’s alright to apply to the bottom lashes, as this can sometimes block tear ducts and cause irritation.

And like with regular skincare, using tons of product isn’t going to deliver better results, so apply sparingly.

Are lash serums safe for my eyes?

As long as you follow the instructions for use on your eye serum, it should be safe, but if you discover you have an allergy to something in the serum and experience any itching or redness, just stop using it and consult your GP.

To be extra safe, you can patch test the serum like any other new product.

What is the best eyelash growth serum?

Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splash out, here are some of our favourite lash serums.

OUR FAVOURITE HIGH-END EYELASH SERUMS

BEST MID-RANGE EYELASH SERUMS

BEST AFFORDABLE EYELASH SERUMS

If you still feel like your lashes need a boost while they're growing, check out our Best Mascaras for Short Lashes. Or if you have sensitive eyes, you'll love these mascara recommendations.

And if you've been doubling up your eyelash serum on your brows, you'll definitely want to style your new babies with a great pomade. Read up on our favourite Brow Pomades You Need to Try for Fluffy Brows.