Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
15 of the best eyelash growth serums that actually work to lengthen natural lashes
By Amber Voller &Chloe Burcham
Updated 3 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
No doubt you’ll have heard about eyelash growth serums like RevitaLash and RapidLash, but do they really work? We review them all to find out.
While the want for longer, defined lashes continues, we’re all looking for ways to boost our own natural lashes. Because, whilst lengthening mascaras and eyelash curlers are helpful, they’re not a ‘wake-up and go’ option. They’re a ‘make sure to remember to do’ option. Very different.
This explains the popularity of semi-permanent lash extensions and why it continues to skyrocket as we shift to a ‘my lashes but better’ approach. But over the past year, there’s been a major increase in Google searches for “best lash growth serum” in the UK and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
There’s also a growing demand for lash-lifting treatments and growth-enhancing lash serums to boost what nature gave us. Tempted? Writer, Megan Murray can vouch for the results you can get from the lash-lifting treatment, LVL.
Credit: Lucky If Sharp
In-salon lash lifts (Nouveau Lashes’ LVL is the most popular) work by straightening natural lashes at the very root which, alongside a tint, gives the illusion of extra length and volume. They won’t damage lashes and don’t require any upkeep, unlike extensions. The results (above) can be pretty phenomenal.
But while getting an in-salon lash treatment might help to lift and define lashes, they won’t actually boost your eyelash growth. Which is where lash growth serums come in. These serums are designed to be applied daily, using ingredients that actively stimulate growth.
Then there are lash conditioning serums – formulas that work more like hair conditioners. They won’t necessarily lengthen lashes but help to keep things healthy, preventing brittleness and breakage which in turn can encourage them to become thicker and longer.
Dermatologist Justine Hextall advises looking out for the same hydrating ingredients you’d find in good skincare. “Hyaluronic acid and glycerine are humectants that hydrate skin and lashes by attracting and holding on to water,” she explains. “Biotin is important for healthy keratin to strengthen lashes, and plays a role in the growth of thicker hair. And vitamins B5 and B6 also promote healthy hair because your body uses these nutrients to nourish your hair follicles,” Hextall adds.
The key to making them work? Be patient. Our lashes have a cycle of up to 90 days so you may not see full results until then and be consistent, no skipping days. Eyelash serums can be costly, so if you’re new to the game – consider starting off with an affordable one. This way, you can see if you commit to the consistency, before investing in a more heavily researched (and therefore expensive) formula.
Before applying, make sure your lash-line is free from oily make-up removers or cleanser residue that could create a barrier.
(Quick reminder: if you find that your skin or eye area doesn’t take well to the formula, take a few days off to identify if the lash growth serum or lash conditioner is the culprit. If it is, leave it to the side and revert back to manual lash enhancers (mascaras, curlers or a lash lift). An allergic reaction is a sign to pull back, not push on.)
The best lash growth serums and lash conditioning serums
Best for ultimate length: RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaLash Advanced
Loved by beauty industry experts, Meghan Markle and even one of our contributors (read the detailed review here), RevitaLash is considered the gold standard in lash growth serums. Commit to just one speedy swipe each night and you’ll see a visible difference in two to three weeks. It works by slightly slowing your lashes’ growth cycle so, while they’re still fall out eventually as is required for healthy eyes, they’ll stay put that little bit longer – allowing them to reach extra lengths.
Masterminded 11 years ago by a doctor who wanted to help his wife suffering from lash loss after cancer, the company is still family-run and dedicates substantial time and funds towards breast cancer research and awareness.
Shop Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner at Cult Beauty, £129
Best mid-priced lash growth serum: RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum
This is another industry favourite. Again, it harnesses proven, growth-stimulating ingredients although they’re slightly different to RevitaLash and testers have found the results to be a little less dramatic. Still, you’ll get a marked increase in length and thickness that’ll be noticeable, not just by you, but others, too.
Shop RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum at lookfantastic, £39.99
Best for a heavily-researched formula: Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow and Lash Enhancing Serum
While it might be expensive, you know you’re buying the best with Augustinus Bader. The Eyebrow & Lash Enhancing Serum is powered by the brand’s patented complex of amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesised molecules that make up the unique TFC8 active ingredient. Used daily, this helps to guide key nutrients to the skin cells and create an optimal environment for your body’s innate repair and renewal processes to thrive. Plus, there’s biotin and keratin to help strengthen existing hair, plus algae, peptides and hyaluronic acid to encourage hair density and prevent shedding. It ticks all the boxes.
Shop Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow & Lash Enhancing Serum at Cult Beauty, £115
Best vegan formula: Sweed Lashes Eyelash Growth Serum
This nutrient-rich serum supports your hair growth cycle and is powered by peptides, biotin, pumpkin seed oil and vegan keratin to accelerate the appearance of longer lashes and brows.
Best two-in-one mascara and growth serum: Honest Beauty Honestly Healthy Lash Serum in Black
This multi-action gem is a saviour if you’re time-poor – it acts like an ordinary mascara only with added growth-boosting powers, too. Use it daily for the instant impact and before long, you’ll notice your lashes looking more luscious sans make-up, too.
Shop Honest Beauty Honestly Healthy Lash Serum Black at Cult Beauty, £25
Best for fine lines and lashes: Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Eyes & Lashes Illuminating and Lifting Effect Serum
This innovative number is truly unique in the form of a multi-tasking feather-weight lotion. Just one pump applied all over the eye zone tackles several areas – smoothing, firming and refreshing the skin while strengthening sparse lashes. Bonus: the light-reflective particles have an immediate illuminating effect.
Best for affordability: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
The Ordinary are known for offering great formulas at reasonable prices and this eyelash and brow serum is no different. It’s infused with a blend of four peptides which help to increase the thickness and density of brow and lash hair. Plus, the brush applicator makes it really easy to use – a win.
Shop The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum at ASOS, £12.50
Best for a botanical-blend formula: Milk Makeup Kush Lash + Brow Serum
Infused with hemp-derived cannabis seed extract and a peptide blend, this lash and brow serum helps to condition and thicken the lashes and brows, while a blend of aloe, B5 and quinoa work together to moisturise. In fact, 90% of the ingredients are naturally derived meaning the formula is completely vegan and free from parabens, silicone, fragrance, gluten or prostaglandin.
Best for contact lens wearers: Uklash Eyelash Serum
This vegan formula is also completely oil free, meaning it’s great for those with lash extensions or contact lens wearers. The formula is infused with a blend of vitamins, peptides and extracts – including biotin and vitamin B5 to help strengthen brow and lash hairs while boosting their natural growth.
Best for fast results: Beauty Pie Lash Fuel Advanced Peptide Serum
This hardworking serum gets to work, fast. Lashes appear visibly thicker in as little as two weeks with clinical studies showing more density in 4 weeks. A blend of peptides, vitamins and biotin work to fuel lash growth, while panthenol and ginseng extract work together to support lash health, moisture and strength.
Shop Beauty Pie Lash Fuel Advanced Peptide Serum, £70 (members price £19.50)
Best for targeting both lashes and brows: Hairburst Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum
You’ve probably heard of Hairburst after seeing it on Instagram. The effects are impressive, though. Most lash formulas will work on brows, too, but this is specifically designed for the job with a mascara-like wand that can be brushed through easily.
Shop Hairburst Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum at Superdrug, £32.99
Best for use with lash extensions: Nouveau Lashes Lash and Brow Conditioning Serum
While other brands of lash serum can often be used when you have extensions or a lash lift, this trusted favourite is specifically targeted for the job so you can rest assured there’s no risk of ruining things. Jam-packed with nourishing lash goodies as well as powerful antioxidants, the hypo-allergenic formula can be used daily. Another double-duty wonder, it works on brows, too.
Shop Nouveau Lashes Lash and Brow Conditioning Serum at Nouveau Lashes, £19.99
Best for use before mascara: L’Oreal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum
Most lash serums are for nightly use but this gem is to be slicked on morning and night. It’s worth the extra pre-make-up step, though. After leaving it to dry for 60 seconds, you’ll notice your mascara glides on more smoothly and lashes appear a little fuller and more defined. Over time, castor oil, vitamin b5, hyaluronic acid and Filloxane (the same ingredient found in L’Oreal Paris’ best-selling hair thickening shampoo) will get to work.
Shop L’Oreal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum at Boots, £14.99
Best for fussy eyes: No7 Lash Impact Lash Serum
You can always rely on Boots’ No7 range for impressive results and hard-working ingredients at a not-too-shabby price point. This works on thickness, promising visibly fuller lashes after at least eight weeks of applying it nightly. It’s also hypo-allergenic so a good choice if you’re sensitive.
Best for boosting thickness: Flawless Lashes by Loreta Lash Wizard Serum
This formula’s the brainchild of Loreta Jasilionyte – a renowned lash technician who has years of educating others under her belt. With a solid understanding of all things flutter-related, she conjured up her own booster. It uses sophisticated technology to encourage the formation of keratin so lashes grow back stronger and thicker. After 14 days, sparse gappy areas will be fuller and more plentiful.
Shop Flawless Lashes by Loreta Lash Wizard Serum at Flawless Lashes, £15.50
Main image: Getty
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.