So, you’re thinking about enhancing your lashes with some lash serum, but you’re not too keen about handing over around $75 for the experience?
I’ll share my best DIY lash growth serum recipe that has worked wonders for me. Plus, you can make it at home with all-natural ingredients that are easily found in most health stores and groceries.
Let’s dive in!
Disclaimer: Although I have been doing eyelash enhancement treatments for years, I am not a doctor. All content and information in this post are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific health before implementing any recommendations or suggestions from our Website.
Tools and Ingredients
My favorite ingredients for making an eyelash growth serum at home that actually works are:
- Castor oil: This will be the base of your concoction. Castor oil is an all-natural and safe ingredient. It is known for its ability to increase hair growth and thickness.1
- Coconut oil: Our second base ingredient! Coconut oil has amazing moisturizing properties and can help protect against damage from environmental elements.2
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is a must-have in any DIY eyelash serum. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and can help nourish the lashes.
- Essential oils: These will be added in very small quantities to our recipe but they pack a punch! There are many to consider but my favorites are lavender and rosemary for their healing and nourishing properties.
- Red clover extract: This is a recent addition to my formulation. Red clover extract is rich in biochanin A, a potent phytonutrient.
Now that we know which ingredients we’ll use, it’s time to figure out the container and applicator.
I find that your best option here is simply a mascara tube with the wand that came with it.
So, where can I find an empty mascara tube?
You have two options here. You can either use an old mascara tube (after having thoroughly cleaned it) or you can simply buy an empty mascara applicator online. You can find sets of 4 mascara applicators for less than $20 on Amazon, and in my view, this is the best option.
But wait – why not just use an empty mascara tube?
Technically, you can. However, it’s much less hassle – and much more hygienic – to simply buy new ones. If you want to use an old mascara tube, you’ll need to clean and disinfect it thoroughly using a safe disinfectant, ensuring no mascara product remains either in the tube or on the applicator wand.
And don’t forget: lash serums need to be applied to clean, dry lashes in order to work properly. If you still have traces of mascara on your lash applicator, it’s going to disturb the lash serum’s process and potentially prevent it from working entirely.
How To Make Lash Serum (Step-by-Step)
- Fill the mascara tube 1/3 with castor oil.
- Add 1/3 of coconut oil on top of the castor oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
- Add 2 drops of lavender oil.
- Add 2 drops of rosemary oil.
- Add 2 drops of red clover extract.
- Close the tube and shake it well.
And voila! You’re done! Now let’s apply it to the lashes and see the transformation.
In this Youtube video, Syndey uses castor oil and vitamin E oil to make her own eyelash growth serum at home. Check out how she does it!
Fun Idea: If you buy a set of empty mascara tubes, why not make enough lash serum to create several tubes and offer them as gifts to your friends? You can customize each tube with stickers and surprise your friends with a fun, safe, homemade beauty product.
How to Apply Your DIY Lash Serum
So, is applying DIY lash serum different from applying manufactured lash serum? It can be!
If you’re used to applying eyelash growth serum, you’re probably most familiar with applying lash serum to the lash line, rather than to the lashes directly. When it comes to DIY lash serum, it’s a bit different.
Instead of applying serum to the lash line, you’re going to apply it directly to the lashes using the mascara wand. This allows the formula direct contact with your lashes, so they can start working their magic right away.
FAQS
Is DIY eyelash serum safe?
Yes! So long as you’re using the safe, natural ingredients listed above, your lash serum is 100% safe to use.
How often should I apply DIY lash serum?
You should apply DIY lash serum once a day. If you have sensitive eyes, begin by applying it every two days.
How long does DIY lash serum last before expiring?
6 months. Once you’ve made your lash serum, you should be able to use it for around 6 months. After 6 months, you should create a new lash serum.
How to store DIY lash serum?
You can store your DIY lash serum alongside your usual beauty and skincare products. There’s no need to keep it chilled or in the fridge.
The Bottom Line
While DIY lash serums might not grow your lashes in the way that some commercial lash growth would (some of them have active ingredients such as prostaglandins), they’re much safer (and cheaper!) and won’t bring about any unwanted side effects.
For the safe route to long and luscious lashes, I highly recommend making your own lash serum at home.
If you don’t want to spend time making your own, then I would favor a commercial serum that doesn’t use any synthetic or irritating ingredients. You can check out which ones I like here.
Let me know how it goes for you in the comments below!
– Asako 🙂
Additional Readings on DivineLashes.ca: If you want to learn more about using a growth serum, check out my articles on the best eyelash serums, how they work, and their side effects.
References
- Celine Phong, Victor Lee, Katerina Yale, Calvin Sung, Natasha Mesinkovska. (2022). Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816075/ (Accessed on March 13th, 2023)
- Aarti S. Rele, R.B. Mohile. (2003) Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ (Accessed on July 10th, 2022)
