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The Eyelash Growth Serums That Really Work
Mascara is good, but these growth-boosters are better.
You know that friend with the ridiculously long eyelashes – the one that swears she was simply blessed by the Gods? She’s probably lying.
While a decent mascara can get you far enough in the lash-lengthening stakes, for a flutter that seriously skims your eyelids, you need an eyelash growth serum.
Promising longer, stronger lashes in a matter of weeks, there's good reason you'll struggle to find a beauty editor that doesn't have one stashed by their bedside. Some are even so effective, you might just be tempted to ditch the mascara altogether (baby steps, ok).
How do eyelash growth serums work?
These mysterious tubes may appear to be magic, but there’s actually scientific reasoning behind the best lash serums on the shelves. Like the hair on your head, your lashes grow and shed according to a four-phase cycle: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.
‘Active’ lash growth serums – in the UK, Revitalash and Rapidlash are the most well-known – contain ingredients that studies suggest are able to keep hairs in the anagen, or growth, phase of the cycle for longer.
These ingredients are known as prostaglandin analogues – and, while they may be the most reliable shortcut to brow-skimming lashes, it's important to know they have also been linked with some unwanted side effects, namely skin pigmentation and irritation. While every product on the shelves in the UK will have been thoroughly tested for safety, it's important to know what you are applying and to do so with caution – especially if your skin is sensitive. Read the instructions (one more time: Read. The. Instructions) and be sure to stop using your lash serum immediately if you notice any irritation or discomfort.
How about lash conditioners?
If you're keen to skip the prostaglandin altogether, you still have plenty of choices. Conditioning lash serums work in a slightly different way. They’re usually packed with amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Like the hair on your head, your eyelashes are made up of over 90% proteins, including keratin (for strength) and melanin (for colour). So, more amino acids = better potential for long, strong lashes.
If you’ve spotted peptides on your lash serum INCI list, that’s a good sign too: studies have found these ingredients to have the potential to stimulate lash growth.
Essentially, a conditioning lash serum is a nourishing, nutrient-dense meal for your lashes, providing them with the fuel they need to grow to their best ability.
So, ditch the falsies this season – you no longer need them. Here, discover our verdict on the best eyelash growth products to try now.
The best eyelash growth serums to invest in now
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