Can't get your lashes done right now? Try these 10 eyelash conditioning serums instead

The road to achieving longer-looking lashes is full of trial and error. But these days, the options are plentiful. Once upon a time, the only real option was to reach for falsies and lash glue, but today you can choose from eyelash extensions, lash lifts, lash tinting, and more. Plus, there are several lengthening mascaras that have truly come a long way and can actually do the trick—temporarily of course.

So what’s a long lash-lover who wants longer-lasting results to do? The costs of salon services like tints, extensions, and perms can add up, and not everyone wants to put on a set of false lashes every day. Plus, with tons of salons being forced to close because of coronavirus (COVID-19), many people’s normal beauty routines are being put to the test. Those who may typically go in for a normal lash extension fill might not be able to get there.

Enter: eyelash serum. While eyelash growth serum is nothing new, it’s a category that’s seen growth in both variety and formulation in recent years. Gone are the days of having just one or two expensive options to choose from. While luxe options definitely still exist, even drugstore brands have gotten into the lash serum game.

But wait, do eyelash growth serums really work?

The tricky thing about eyelash serums is that they aren’t actually stimulating any new hair follicle growth—that’s something that only an FDA-approved, prescription-level serum like Latisse can deliver. These lash growth serums are not FDA-approved because they are considered cosmetics.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines cosmetics by their intended use, as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.”

Instead, most of these cosmetic serums contain ingredients like peptides, amino acids, and oils that essentially strengthen your existing lashes and may extend their lifetime so they don’t fall out as quickly. Typically the lifespan of a lash is six-to-eight weeks, so by extending this timeline, your lashes may appear longer and fuller. However, because everyone’s lash growth phases happen at different rates, keep in mind that some of these serums may work on a case-by-case basis. And because they work by nourishing the lashes, they make take up to several weeks to see results.

How do I apply an eyelash serum?

Eyelash growth and conditioning serums are best applied at night on clean, dry lashes. With the tiny brush, you gently sweep the serum across your upper eyelid, wiping off any access product that gets above the lash line. Just beware that because these products are not FDA regulated, and some may cause eye dryness or redness.

Here are some eyelash growth and conditioning serums that may extend lash life:

1RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum XL

This lash serum is said to moisturize and condition lashes. “I like RapidLash XL because it’s very easy to use, quite inexpensive compared to others on the market, and even works on your eyebrows,” says makeup artist Veronica Chu, who works with the likes of Coco Rocha and Carly Rae Jepsen. “Apply once a day for four weeks to see results. What I love about this one is that it doesn’t leave your eyelids red or sore like some of the others.”

2 Lancer Lash Serum Intense

This serum from Kardashian-favorite Dr. Lancer contains polypeptides, biotin, pumpkin seed extract, and other ingredients that nourish and promote longer, stronger lashes.

3 LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer

Boasting a “Clean at Sephora” label, this pick is made without sulfates, parabens, or formaldehyde, so it’s less likely to cause eye irritation, especially if you have sensitive eyes.

4Vegamour Vegalash Volumizing Serum

This clean, cruelty-free beauty brand is centered on the restoration of hair and has several products focused on lashes, like this primer that has been clinically proven to result in thicker, fuller, and longer lashes in just a month.

5 Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Turbo Nighttime Eyelash Treatment

This Peter Thomas Roth pick is a nighttime treatment to make lashes appear thicker thanks to its rich, peptide formula that claims to enhance your lash line’s length, thickness, and density.

6Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

This eyelash conditioning serum protects your lashes from breakage while encouraging growth.It’s vegan, paraben-free and oil-free, plus it’s hypoallergenic, so it’s a better option for those with more sensitive eyes. Just be patient, as it may take up to 5-6 weeks to see results.

7 Rimmel Lash Accelerator Serum

The tiny applicator on this eyelash growth serum makes for an ultra-precise application.

8 Shiseido Full Lash and Brow Serum

This arginine-enhanced formula is ideal for strengthening any broken or damaged lashes that are in need of a little extra TLC. After four months of use, 80% of users reported they noticed denser-looking lashes.

9Maybelline Lash Sensational serum

Thin lashes will get a healthy boost with this drugstore eyelash serum that helps to fortify you lashes for less fallout. We love that the genius applicator is a mini spoolie so you can really get the product into the lashes.

10Plume Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum

This clean serum is formulated with nine all-natural, responsibly sourced botanical actives including aloe and castor oil/ The formula is 100% plant-derived and organic, so it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that may irritate the eyelids and helps enhance existing lashes.