Long, thick, and dark eyelashes are easily one of the most attractive physical features a person can have. Of course, there is nothing wrong with short, sparse ones. It’s just that prominent lashes have a way of bringing out the galaxy in one’s eyes, leaving you mesmerized with each gentle blink. More importantly, they are better at blocking foreign objects from reaching the surface of the eye.
Some people spend hundreds on lash treatments just to achieve them, but there are alternative ways that don’t break the bank. Lash serums, for instance, are infused with rich vitamins and oils that naturally help strengthen hair and stimulate hair growth. They are also more affordable and convenient than in-store treatments. There are hundreds of them on the market today, but one in particular that is widely known in the k-beauty world is the Etude My Lash Serum.
The serum comes in a transparent bottle, allowing you to see just how much product you have left and when it’s time to throw it out. It is also equipped with a classic mascara wand applicator which, in my experience, does not provide the smoothest application. The bristles of the wand are quite lengthy and hard, making it difficult to brush onto the roots, especially those of the lower lashes. I frequently poked my eye trying to coat my lash line, so I resorted to simply spreading the liquid with my finger. Specifically, I would brush the serum onto my upper lashes only and then use my finger to gently spread it along the roots of my upper and lower lashes. The color of the product is what you would expect from a lash serum—clear with yellowish tint—while the consistency is similar to that of oil, only slightly runnier.
Looking at the components, there’s really not much in it. The key ingredient in the My Lash Serum is biotin, a popular vitamin often touted as a magic bullet for hair loss and hair thinning, yet it is written at the very bottom of the list. Also in the formula are green tea water, ginger root extract, and tocopherol, which do offer antioxidant properties that might aid in hair growth, but they mostly work to keep your lashes hydrated and moisturized throughout the day/night.
Compared to the eyelash enhancing products I’ve tried in the past, this one did not contain a significant amount of oil, and thus felt lighter on the lashes and gentler on the eyes. It was also better absorbed by my skin without leaving any greasiness, and I did not experience any sort of irritation. Used two to three times a day, this 9g bottle lasted me 1.5 months. There was still about 40% of the product left. However, I, unfortunately, had to toss it out as it had already become cloudy and started to sting my eyes.
So the question is: did the Etude My Lash Serum give me longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes? Although it is barely noticeable, I would have to admit it did… by a fraction.
To be fair, length was not the main point of the My Lash serum. Rather, it promised to nourish the lashes from the roots so that they may become stronger and more resilient, which it was able to do. I experienced less lash loss (whew, try saying that 10 times in a row) while using the product, and days after I had stopped, they went back to their semi-fragile state. Of course, that was just 45 days of use. Longer periods with it could possibly deliver more visible results; that is, a much fuller set of eyelashes.
Now, while I do believe it’s a good product, I also feel there are better options out there—which might just require me to splurge a bit more. Again, where the Etude My Lash Serum excels is in conditioning the lashes, thereby reducing the chances of them falling out and allowing them to keep growing. That being said, if you are looking for a magic potion that will dramatically improve the length and volume of your eyelashes, then you may want to skip this one. On the other hand, if you want a product that can simply prevent lash breakage without costing too much, then you should definitely give this a try.
**Everyone’s skin is different. What works/doesn’t work for me may not/may work for you. Remember to check the ingredient list and do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
After night skincare routine, apply and brush the serum from the lash roots towards the tips of your lashes. Be careful and avoid the content from entering your eyes.
Butylene Glycol: emollient, moisturizer/humectant
Glycerin: moisturizer/humectant, skin barrier repair
1,2-Hexanediol: emollient, moisturizer/humectant
Caprylyl Glycol: emollient, moisturizer/humectant
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizer/humectant
Main reference (ingredient functions): INCI Decoder (https://incidecoder.com/)
FULL INGREDIENT LIST (according to the company website): Water, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate (Nano), Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Biotin, Tocopherol
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