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It's never too late to transform your lashes

There is something about a long, lifted set of lashes that instantly awaken your face. A lengthening mascara is a trusted instrument to deliver a quick transformation, but if you're looking to enhance the density and length of your natural eyelashes in the long term, a lash serum is your best bet.

We know what you’re thinking: lash serums sound pretty far-fetched, but trust us when we say… they work. They're a fast track towards long, lustrous lashes – more flattering than falsies and less faff than a regular lash lift.

But, there’s one roadblock that can get in the way – ageing. As we mature, our hair naturally starts to thin, and there’s no exception when it comes to lashes. The growth cycle of an eyelash is around 3 months; however, this process slows with age, leading our lash growth to go on hiatus or stop altogether.

If you haven’t counted them yourself already, you have around 160-190 eyelashes (impressive, right?); however everything from using an abrasive makeup remover to a harsh mascara can weaken them further and cause you to lose around 1-5 lashes a day.

There’s no doubt lash serums actually work (just Google some before-and-after pics to see some genuinely jaw-dropping results); but few of us know exactly why they help deliver longer, thicker lashes.

Here’s a quick crash course: your hair is made up of around 80% keratin protein, so most serums are formulated with amino acids (the building blocks of protein). While it’s this powerhouse ingredient that plays the lead role, many serums also include vitamins, nutrients and even collagen to bolster the growth process and nourish your lashes.

Like all products (especially those localised around your eye), it’s a wise choice to do a quick patch test before ruling out any side-effects. However, if you have particularly sensitive eyes, the good news is that you can still reap the lash-boosting benefits while taking precautions to prevent irritation. Avoid applying your serum to any skin around your eyes (focus it directly onto your roots) and wipe the brush of any excess product to prevent it seeping into your eye.

So, if you're looking for an effective solution to thinning lashes, or simply want to boost what you've got, here's our condensed list of serums that pass the mark. There may only be six, but it’s six you can genuinely rely on.

The revolution of lash serums can be dedicated to one mainstay: RevitaLash. Created by Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff, who originally set out to lift the spirits of his wife undergoing chemotherapy, the brand received so much praise for its incredible transformations – and now is recognised as one one of the leading lash-conditioning treatments. Packed with peptides, glycerin, biotin and moisturising ingredients, this serum has amassed a very loyal following who’re now boasting fuller, longer and darker lashes.

The RapidLash Eyelash serum hit the shelves back in 2008, and is still a favourite for many (including us). Packed with potent ingredients – like peptides, biotin, and amino acids to name a few – the high-performing serum visibly lengthens and thickens sparse lashes. With a fair mid-range price point, we can guarantee you that you will see results; however, with this pick you’re in for a marathon rather than a sprint. We found that it took around three months of daily use before results started to show.

Lash serums can be expensive, with many tipping into triple-figure territory; however, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum proves that you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a longer, fuller flutter. Lash serums are a long-term investment (they take a bit of time to deliver results) but four weeks of loyalty to this budget buy will deliver pleasing improvements. Formulated with peptides (a chain of amino acids), the serum feeds lash follicles to stimulate growth.

It didn’t take long for UK Lash to make a name for itself after thousands of shoppers pining after voluminous lashes quickly became aware of its genuine lash-boosting capabilities. Packed with a blend of vitamins and peptides the fragrance and paraben-free formula stimulates denser, longer growth that you can confidently rely on.

Tweak is a promising newbie that has truly impressed us with its Lash and Brow Growth Serum. The clever formula was curated by a lash technician who wanted to recommend a product to her clients that genuinely worked – and since then has helped us grow our lashes, and brows, too. A bioavailable peptide helps the lash-growth-mission, while glycerin and panthenol aid hydration and nourishment. Plus with 5ml of product (most serums offer 3ml), you’re really getting the most for your money.

For the sensitive amongst us, reaching for clean, vetted and safe formulas is a necessity – and Clinique is the authority on this. The High Impact Lash Amplifying Serum is infused with a blend of caffeine and growth-stimulating-peptides to condition and coat each lash with moisture. We particularly love the felt-tip style wand to ensure you’re getting the product on your lash roots, rather than the skin around your eye.