Devotees claim eyelash growth serums are the Holy Grail, giving you long, fluttery lashes that will have your friends wondering if you’re wearing falsies. It will probably come as no surprise that TikTok has been flooded with videos from users showing off their impressive transformations after several weeks of daily use, with 114m views under the search ‘lash growth serum’. There’s now a huge variety of products on the market – from big name beauty brands to companies that specialise in lashes and brows – and prices vary massively. But do they really work for everyone? Experts run through everything you need to know about lash-boosting serums… What is the science behind eyelash growth serums? All lash serums, whether they’re applied like eyeliner or with a mascara-style wand, are designed with essentially the same aim. “To promote the growth of natural lashes, resulting in longer and thicker lashes with regular use,” says Nima Pourian, founder of UKLash. “By nourishing and moisturising the lashes with ingredients like Panthenol, peptides, and biotin”, serums can “enhance the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, leading to healthier and fuller lashes”. Some serums on the market contain hormones called prostaglandins – or a synthetic version – that extend the growth phase of the lash cycle, meaning the hairs get longer before they fall out. Others, such as The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, use peptides to achieve the same aim without hormones. Gabriella Elio, founder of Sweed Beauty, came up with a hormone-free serum after learning some people can “get allergic reactions, pigmentations and are sensitive to serums since they contain prostaglandins”. As with any new beauty product you’re trying, it’s sensible to perform a patch test first. “Although reactions are rare, the eye area can be sensitive, so it’s best to check for any sensitivity beforehand,” says Pourian. “Apply a small amount of the serum to a small area, such as a corner of the forehead, behind the ear, or the side of the neck. Wait approximately 24 hours to observe any skin sensitivity.” It’s particularly important to be careful with products used so close to the eyes, so do your research and buy from a reputable retailer. How long does it take to see results? “The time it takes to see results may vary individually, depending on the stage of the lash growth cycle when the serum is started,” says Pourian. “That’s why it is recommended to use eyelash and eyebrow serums once a day for eight to 12 weeks, which aligns with a full growth cycle.” You’ll have to be patient, because you can’t simply double up to get lengthy lashes twice as fast. “It is crucial to follow the instructions provided with the serum and avoid overuse,” he continues. “Like any other topical skincare product, proper usage and adherence to the recommended application frequency will ensure the best results.” Do you have to keep using the serum forever? “If you discontinue using the product your lashes will continue to go through their natural growth and shedding phases,” says Claire Larsen, global master educator at RevitaLash Cosmetics. “So the new lashes that come back in will be untreated and will appear the way they originally did before starting your lash serum. If you love the results, you are a lifer!” However, you can reduce the frequency of use once you reach the maintenance phase. Pourian advises: “Once you have achieved your desired results, it is recommended to use the lash serum three to four times a week to maintain the length and health of your lashes.” Are there any reasons why a serum might not work? Proper application is key to making sure the serum can get to work quickly and effectively. “If the serum is not applied properly, such as being applied like mascara instead of reaching the roots and hair follicles, it may not yield desired results,” says Pourian. “It’s important to avoid using other products like oil-based cleansers or serums before applying the lash serum, as they can create a barrier, preventing proper absorption.” And remember, you’ve got to be consistent with daily use for at least a few weeks before you’ll see a noticeable difference. “Certain medical conditions, health issues, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors can influence the results of lash serums,” Pourian adds, meaning your lashes might not reach TikTok-worthy proportions, or may take longer to do so. “Genetics also play a role, as individuals naturally have different hair, lash, or brow growth genetics. This doesn’t mean the serum won’t work at all, but it may result in less significant outcomes.” Go long: 8 highly-rated lash serums to try 1. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, £12.40, LookFantastic 2. L’Oreal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum, £11.99 (was £14.99), Superdrug 3. Mavala Double Lash Night Treatment, £17.50, Boots 4. UKLash Eyelash Serum, £37.99 5. RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, £39.99, Escentual 6. Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum, £42 7. Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum, £64 8. RevitaLash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner, £109 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sex Education star Patricia Allison: I’ve learned boundaries are extremely important Non-binary influencers share what they wish people understood about their experience Camilla will not receive £360,000 annuity from parliament like Prince Philip did

Patricia Allison misses Ola Nyman, the character she portrayed on Netflix’s Sex Education. “I really do,” Allison admits. “Ola taught me a lot of great things. She’s Swedish, [and] straight in the way she deals with her emotions. “With people, she is very open and unafraid to do what she wants to do. Ola is a force who goes for it. I miss all of that stuff – it was fun to be with her.” With every character the Kenyan-English actress has played, “I’ve been lucky enough to take something away from them. Ola has been a great source of life, love and friendship. I now look out for the little things, try to be present and curious with my kindness without encroaching.” Another character Allison played recently was Kath in the London stage show Jules And Jim. “She was wonderful, striking, super confident, poetic, sometimes quite unlikeable, and made mistakes boldly. I really adored that aspect of Kath,” Allison recalls. The 28-year-old won’t be returning for Sex Education’s fourth and final season (premiering in September), but she’s grateful for the legacy of the teen comedy drama. “Sex Education made people very curious about themselves, gender and all the things we touched on about personal boundaries. It incited people’s passions,” she says. Recently she joined Hendrick’s Gin’s Flora Adora campaign, which immortalises curious thinkers who are shaping this century. Allison is honoured alongside creative powerhouses across art, literature and theatre, including writers Dolly Alderton and Zadie Smith. Hendrick’s found 84% of the 2,000 adults surveyed would consider themselves to be curious, while 54% feel like their curiosity has plateaued over the past two years. In fact, almost a third wish they were more curious about life and its wonders — a sentiment particularly strong with 46% of Gen Z. So how does Allison stay curious? “Self-care is very important to me and the functioning of my career,” she says. “I do a lot of yoga, meditation, I definitely love swimming, reading and things that prioritise me time — a good time — so I can regain my energy, which helps to reinspire myself. “I tend to journal as well, which is the number one thing I do, because I need to be in constant communication with myself and my spirit through writing.” Allison started journalling when she was 18 years old, “After a bad break up, funnily enough”, she admits. “I don’t use any writing prompts. I find that it comes naturally to me, which I really enjoy. It’s really useful for coping with all the things going on in the world, and helps you figure out how you really feel about it. “I used to do it everyday during lockdown, but now I maybe journal twice a week and I’ll do a really long session, to work around my work schedule. Sometimes I’m up early filming and I can’t wake up super early before then. So I prioritise keeping myself both physically and vocally able to do my job properly.” Going outdoors is also important to Allison. “I love exercising in nature. Being out in it, breathing the air, touching trees,” she continues. “I think all of these activities give you time to relax, which is one of the most important things for any creative thing.” For Allison, establishing healthy boundaries hasn’t always been straightforward – especially when navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. From getting nos and doubting herself to working on projects she’s passionate about, the dial is constantly moving. “I think boundaries are extremely important and it’s something I’ve been learning more of as my career develops. You have to be on game, and even better — in my opinion — so I’ve had to become stricter with myself – not strict, but give myself a nice baggy routine that I can stick to. “And this just means making sure I take care of myself properly and making sure I’m eating well and sleeping properly. It’s key. But it’s not always easy. I have to try and create these boundaries, otherwise I won’t be able to do anything.” Allison has adopted the same approach with social media, particularly after Sex Education first came out. “So many people felt connected to that show, and in turn, wanted to connect with the entire cast, which was really exciting. But it can be overwhelming. Overnight so many people are checking out your social media. It’s kind of mad,” she explains. “It’s hard, but I absolutely do not look at my social media first thing in the morning, at all, and surround myself with good people and real-life connections, making sure I’m there for my friends.” Allison is excited to have such a platform where she can reach so many different people, but she adds: “I want to be able to use that in the right way and be in a clearheaded space. And that does take some navigating.” To celebrate the launch of Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin, Patricia Allison has teamed up with Hendrick’s Gin to rewild the nation’s curiosity.

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