How to Apply Eyelash Serum Like a Pro (6 Easy Steps)

So, you’ve got your hands on your trusty new lash serum and you can’t wait to enjoy full, thick, fluttery lashes! But wait – how are you actually supposed to use it?

It’s simple: how you use lash serum will depend on what type of applicator you’re using. If you’re using a mascara-style lash wand applicator, you’ll apply the lash serum just like you’d apply mascara. If you’re using a small brush applicator, you’ll apply lash serum along your lash line.

It really is as simple as that! So, what other tips and tricks should you know about applying lash serum?

Let’s take a look.

How to Apply Eyelash Serum (Step-By-Step)

While applying lash serum might appear simple at first, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind before going ahead with your application. Incorrect lash serum application can lead to many unpleasant side effects, such as watery eyes, irritation, and eye redness,¹ so it’s important to use these products carefully.

Here are my 6 steps to applying lash serum safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Remove Contact Lenses

If you’re wearing contact lenses, it’s incredibly important that you remove them before applying any lash serum. If lash serum gets stuck behind your contact lenses, your stinging eyes aren’t going to be happy – no matter how long your lashes are!

Remove your contact lenses and set them aside in their container. You can put them back in around 15-20 minutes after you’ve finished applying your lash serum since contacts can be worn with lash serums.

Step 2: Cleanse and Remove Make-Up

This one might seem obvious, but it’s important that you ensure your lashes are completely clean and free of makeup before you apply any eyelash serum. The lash serum needs to be able to penetrate the lash fibers in order to work correctly, so your second step is to remove all traces of makeup.

Pro Tip: You can apply mascara after your eyelash growth serum as long as you wait at least 5 minutes for the serum to completely dry before coating your eyelashes with mascara.

You don’t need to do a full face cleanse; you just need to remove your eye makeup: this includes any eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, and eye pencil. However, if you’re going to be sleeping afterward, make sure you’ve cleansed your face entirely – you won’t be able to cleanse your face once the lash serum is applied, as it will get washed off.

Step 3: Get the Timing Right

When it comes to applying lash serum, you want to ensure that you’re giving the lash serum enough time to sink into your lashes and work its magic. For this reason, it’s a good idea to apply your lash serum at the end of your nighttime skincare routine, just before going to bed.

This ensures that your lash serum has the time to work and provide results, and also minimizes eye irritation that can occur from interaction with make-up, environmental pollution, and other bacteria that might come into contact with your eyes during the day.

Step 4: Apply the Eyelash Serum

Now, you simply need to apply the lash serum to your lashes. Most applicators will come with a small brush (similar to a very thin, bristle lip gloss brush) and you’ll apply this type of lash serum along your upper lash line.

Take a small amount of serum, apply it to the lash line, and be careful not to let the product get into your eyes. Do NOT apply the lash serum to the lower lash line – this is one of the quickest ways to end up with the product in your eyes. Apply to the upper lash line only.

If you’re using a mascara-wand-style applicator brush, apply it to the lashes as if you were applying mascara. Again, don’t apply to the lower lash line.

Step 5: Wipe away any Excess Serum

If you have any excess eyelash serum on your eyelids or cheeks, you should quickly wipe this away using a cotton pad or a make-up pad. You definitely don’t want to let lash serum linger on your face – your face has lots of tiny little hairs, and you don’t want to mistakenly give them a growth boost!

Some doctors have also warned that lash serum – especially serums designed to darken the lashes – can cause skin hyperpigmentation around the eyes. By removing any excess serum from your eyelids or face, you’ll minimize your chances of developing this particular side effect.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to wash off the lash growth serum once it is dried. Simply leave it on all night for maximum benefits.

Step 6: Clean your Applicator Brush

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of cleaning your applicator brush after every use of your eyelash serum. Your face and lashes can harbor bacteria just like any other part of your body, so it’s a good idea to rinse your applicator and give it a quick wash after use.

Not only will this protect the integrity of your lash serum, but it will also help you avoid any nasty eye infections – there’s no use in long and fluttery lashes if your eyes are red and blotchy!

How Often Do I Need To Apply Lash Serum?

So, now that you know how to apply lash serum, you might be wondering – how many applications should I perform per day?

This is probably the most common lash serum-related question I get as a lash technician.

For the best results, I’d always recommend applying eyelash serum daily. By applying the lash serum daily, you’re giving the product time to get to work and giving your lashes time to react to the active ingredients.

It’s also super important to be consistent with your applications – no missed days or skipped days!

If you follow these rules and apply your lash serum every day, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see results. You should probably see results after around 3-4 months of regular, daily applications, although this may vary for some.

However, do also be aware that the application guidelines do vary for some brands. Check out my article about the most popular lash serum brands and the application frequency they recommend.

FAQS

References

1. Derek Jones (2010) Enhanced Eyelashes: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Options. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036812/ (Accessed on August 9th, 2022)