If you’re anything like me, you completely and utterly resent putting on false eyelashes. They’re a struggle to get on without having a tantrum (I don’t know how many times I have to peel off, re-glue and stick back on again, only to find I’ve put them in the wrong position) and they aren’t particularly great for maintaining healthy lashes, as the glue holds tightly onto your natural hairs and pulls them out. Of course, they’re fine to wear on an occasional basis, but if you want long, healthy lashes without sticking on falsies (or trying out semi-permanent lashes, which I have avoided due to horror stories), then we’re going to need another alternative. Luckily, there already is one. And it’s been a tight lipped celebrity make-up artist secret for several years now, before reaching the high street.
I have been trying and testing out two lash serums, one which can be purchased on a high street budget, and one which is a little more expensive. At first, I was a little cynical about both serums, because despite claiming to strengthen, lengthen and thicken lashes, I couldn’t see any possible way that my lashes were going to grow faster simply by popping a bit of liquid on them. However, I was surprised by the results, and I can safely say that my endless days of false lash wearing are in the past!
Mavala Eye Lite Double Lash Treatment – £8.25
Applied just like a mascara, this treatment claims to thicken, strengthen and lengthen lashes, so that they are less prone to breaking and stay hydrated throughout the day and night. The instructions state that the serum works best when applied to the upper and lower lashes morning and night, which at first although is a little tricky to work into your routine, you soon get the hang of it. It can be worn under mascara during the day, so it’s easy enough to apply it first (no need to leave it to dry as it does so immediately) and then add your mascara over the top. It’s a clear liquid (it looks white in the bottle but applies clear) and doesn’t have a scent, so it’s really wearable – and since the formula doesn’t contain any parabens, it doesn’t upset eyes like I know a lot of chemical heavy mascaras and eye-shadows are prone to doing.
During the first week, I didn’t really see much of a difference in the length of my eyelashes, but I did feel that they were far more hydrated and healthier than they were prior to using the serum. At the end of the initial seven days, I noticed a considerable difference in how they looked after I had applied my mascara – as they were much fuller and thicker than previously. I then continued to use the serum for another three weeks (although I will admit, I didn’t stick to morning and night every day, and may have missed a few doses), which gave me far more noticable results. I think the main difference is in the thickness of my lashes, as they are far fuller than before. No longer do I have that sparse, thin lash line look that false lash wearing can create, and I am very happy with how much they have improved. A month’s usage of the serum has probably used about a quarter of the £8.25 bottle, as you only need the tiniest stroke of serum twice a day – so it’s amazing value for the improvement it makes.
Despite my initial thoughts, the formula isn’t sticky or heavy to wear, in fact you hardly notice it’s there, and as I said before – once you get into the routine of applying it, you don’t even have to think about doing it. I can honestly say it has made a difference to the overall look of my lashes, and for £8.25 is certainly worth investing in. I have scoured the internet to find the most affordable, yet cost effective lash serum (rather than forking out £140 a pop for the stuff the celebs use) and this is the very best product available! It is available from Beauty Bay, and can be purchased here.
(beautybay.com)
M2 Eyelash Revitalizing Gloss – £45
As the more expensive product of the two, I had really high hopes for this gloss – as in my opinion, £45 is a lot to spend on just one product, so it must be extra effective. Packaged similarly to your average mascara, in a sleek, plain black wand, the serum is very easy to apply and again, can be used underneath your mascara (although there have been occasions when I have mistaken it for my mascara and wondered why several strokes of it weren’t making my lashes any darker). Instructions state that the serum need only be applied just the once each day, however since I was in the routine of applying the previous treatment twice each day, I decided to do the same with this serum.
It looks and feels very much like the Mavala treatment, the only real difference I noticed was that this gloss is much thinner in consistency and the brush included is much harder and sharper, rather than the soft bristles of the previous serum. This isn’t a problem, but you do need to be a little more gentle when applying, as I have poked my eye by accident several times when using it!
After two weeks of testing, I am pretty impressed by the results of this product, but no more so than the Mavala treatment. My eyelashes did look thicker, more revitalized and refreshed, but I didn’t really notice too much of a difference in the overall length at all, nor the thickness. However, this product was much lighter (if that’s even possible) than the other serum, and does provide a great base for your mascara, as it helps to curl them up and create thick, healthy looking lashes – that your falsies would be envious of.
(Selfridges, Harrods and m2beaute.com)
Out of the two products I tested, I was probably most impressed by the Mavala treatment, due to its affordable price tag, yet effective results, which certainly rivaled the more expensive version. However, both products provided noticeable results, and I will continue to use both products until they run out (and then will decide which to re-purchase). Although I do still wear false eyelashes occasionally, if I’m going to an event in London, or want to experiment with a dramatic eye make-up style, since using the serum’s, I am far less inclined to put a pair on, as I love the natural thickness you can achieve using the treatment’s. If you get a chance to trial either of the products above, or have reviewed a different eyelash serum, please let me know – as I’d love to trial some other brands!
