Most people aren’t blessed with voluminous, fluttery eyelashes — and that’s OK! But if you desire a little eyelash boost and have already tried every lash product under the sun (we’re talking all the mascaras, extensions, and falsies that currently exist), it might be time to find an alternative solution.
Enter: Lash serums. “There are a number of formulations, prescriptions, and cosmetic [lash serums] on the market right now that focus on eyelash enhancement for people looking for more dramatic eyelashes,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Julie Russak, MD.
Our pick, GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, which helps promote the appearance of longer-looking eyelashes. But before we give you the rundown on this game-changing product, we tapped a few experts to better explain how lash serums work and why this specific pick is an ideal choice for many.
What are lash serums?
To put it simply, lash serums are products that are applied to the lash line in order to hydrate and condition the delicate eyelash hair. To do this, these kinds of products contain nourishing ingredients that work to promote healthier-looking hair.
In the Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, the key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and amino acids, which work to support and condition the lashes (more on that later). These ingredients work synergistically together to sustain and enhance healthier, longer looking eyelashes.
What are the benefits of these key ingredients?
As mentioned above, the three rockstar ingredients in this lash serum are: hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing vitamin E, and reparative amino acids. The hyaluronic acid found in the formula helps condition and hydrate dry, brittle lashes, while the vitamin E and amino acids support healthy-looking lashes.
But that’s not all. The science behind the formulation goes a lot deeper than just these three ingredients. “GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum contains a prostaglandin analog [called] isopropyl cloprostenate,” explains cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. However, unlike the drug prostaglandin analog, bimatoprost, found in Latisse, isopropyl cloprostenate is a cosmetic ingredient and is listed on the INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) database as a cosmetic ingredient. These ingredients, although both prostaglandins, have different chemical structures and different chemical activities, thus one is for drug use and the other for cosmetic use.
Are lash serums like this one safe?
GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum — which has been sold for over 14 years — has been put through rigorous cosmetic safety testing. Specifically, Grande Cosmetics had a world-renowned toxicology firm, ToxServices LLC, perform a review of the product.
Jennifer Ator, PhD, a board-certified toxicologist at Tox Services LLC, who executed this review states, “A comprehensive toxicological review was done on the GrandeLASH-MD product and its ingredients, to the highest standards of safety. As part of that review, a toxicological risk assessment was conducted, including eye color change and periorbital fat loss, and no scientific evidence was found to support that GrandeLASH-MD nor isopropyl cloprostenate could cause such side effects.”
Naturally, everyone’s skin is different. So, as with the introduction of any new cosmetic, if you experience redness or irritation, discontinue use, as advised on their labeling.
How should you use this product?
Serum application is simple but proper application is important. Most importantly, don’t overuse the formula and don’t use it on your lower lash line. Also, you should always apply it using the product’s fine-tip applicator (not your fingers or any other brush).
Another thing to keep in mind is that one dip into the bottle is sufficient for both eyes’ upper lash lines. Simply swipe a single stroke on clean, dry eyelids just above the upper lash line like eyeliner (not on the actual eyelashes themselves), and allow them to fully dry before laying down or applying makeup.
In order to achieve your best results possible, use this product once a day for a full three months. Once you reach your desired result, use the formula every other day for maintenance.
“One important rule of thumb is to only use one lash serum at a time,” adds Alicia Grande, the founder and CEO of Grande Cosmetics, LLC. “Lash serums are not made to be used in conjunction with other lash serums.”
Dr. Russak agrees: “You should only be using one lash serum at a time. Too many concentrated ingredients will increase irritation on a sensitive area such as the eyelids,” she says.
That said, you can certainly use other makeup or skin-care products after applying this serum, just make sure it has dried first.
The bottom line
If you’re looking to boost the appearance of your natural lashes without having to spend hundreds of dollars on pricey extensions, GrandeLASH-MD is an ideal choice. Not only is it easy to use, it’s also proven to be effective. In fact, a 12-week consumer perception study conducted by Princeton Consumer Research Laboratory found that 94 percent of users saw healthier-looking lashes and 91 percent saw longer-looking lashes after use, proving realistic results.
As a bonus, you only need a single swipe just above your upper lash line for this formula to work, making this serum last a long time (we love not having to buy refills every few weeks). A regular size bottle lasts three months and the brand’s Jumbo bottle lasts six months. So, grab Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Enhancing Serum stat — you’ll be happy you did.