If you like natural-looking beauty and enhancing what you’ve got, you likely adore lash lifts. They’re the ultimate procedure for getting an “I woke up like this” look. I can’t fault lash lifts on their lifting and curling power, but I wish they could also lengthen my natural lashes (which are on the short side)!

Lash serums promise to make lashes grow. Could combining the 2 be the trick for getting longer, curled natural lashes? Can you use a lash serum with a lash lift?

You can use a lash serum before and after having a lash lift. However, don’t apply the serum right before your procedure, and wait 24 hours after your lash lift before applying it. Eyelash serums complement lash lifts by making lashes stronger, healthier, and longer for better lash lift results.

Ooh, growth serums and lifts are a good match! Maybe we can have it all – long, curled natural lashes…

Let’s get straight to finding out if a lash-lift-and-serum combo can boost your lash-beauty routine.

Can You Combine a Lash Serum and Lash Lift?

The short answer is yes, you can use a lash serum with a lash lift. In fact, several of my clients use the combination with great results.

You get the benefit of having stronger and healthier lashes from your growth serum while rocking your lifted eyelashes.

The only thing you should pay attention to is the timing of the application. It is recommended to wait 24 hours after your lash lift before applying anything to your eyelashes. This waiting period allows the lifting solution to be completely set.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of using a serum with a lift so you’ll know whether this twosome can help you smash all your lash goals.

Pros Of Using a Lash Serum With a Lash Lift

Here are 3 reasons to use a lash serum with a lash lift:

• Reason #1: Lash serum boosts lash lift results
• Reason #2: Lash serum gets lashes ready for a lash lift
• Reason #3: Lash serum keeps lashes healthy between lash lifts

Reason #1: Lash Serum Boosts Lash Lift Results

Lash lifts work with your natural lashes. Results are only as good as the lashes – long, thick lashes look more wow than short, sparse ones.

That’s where this wonderful product can help. Serum gets your lashes long and luscious, so there’s more to lift and show off!

Add a lash tint, and you’ve got max lash impact. Length, luster, lift, curl, and definition – your natural lashes couldn’t look better.

The most exciting bit is that you wake up with your lashes looking their best (and don’t remove the effects when you wash your face).

Reason #2: Lash Serum Gets Lashes Ready For a Lash Lift

While lash lifts safely and successfully lift and curl most lashes, it’s not a good option for those that are damaged, very sparse, or super-short.

Eyelash growth serums give hope that even teeny-tiny lashes might be ready for a lash lift one day.

I advise clients with short or damaged lashes to come back after applying an eyelash serum to their lashes daily for a month or 2. The serum conditions and nourishes their lashes, and my clients return with lashes long and strong enough for lift-off.

Reason #3: Lash Serum Keeps Lashes Healthy Between Lash Lifts

If you never want to go back to life before lash lifts, you don’t need to. You can have a lash lift every 6 to 8 weeks for however long you want lifted lashes.

Everyone wanting everlasting lift and curl must take care of their lashes between procedures to keep them strong enough for regular processing. One way to keep lashes in good condition is by applying serum.

Cons Of Using a Lash Serum With a Lash Lift

These are 3 reasons to think twice about using a lash serum with a lash lift:

• Reason #1: Lash serums have risks
• Reason #2: Results don’t last forever
• Reason #3: Lash serum takes time to work

Reason #1: Lash Serums Have Risks

Lash serums might not be for you if you have allergies or easily irritated skin and eyes.

Serums can contain formulations that send reactive skin and eyes into a tizz. Particularly troublesome are chemicals that extend lashes’ growth period called prostaglandin analogs (or variants of these chemicals). These chemicals can trigger eye irritation, darkening or fat loss around the eye area, and blurred vision.

Stick to the safe side by doing a patch test (smooth a little serum behind your ear or on your arm and keep it there for 48 hours, watching how your body responds) before putting the serum on your lashes. Or even get your doctor’s opinion before you start using it.

Stay away from serums if you’re breastfeeding or have a baby on the way.

Reason #2: Results Don’t Last Forever

Lash growth serum isn’t a permanent fix for stunted lashes. So you won’t smear on serum and magically grow Rapunzel lashes for life (and never again be told your lashes are too teeny for a lash lift). Aww, if only!

Serum results, unfortunately, only last for about 6 weeks. Our lashes constantly grow and shed, so after a few weeks, your serum-lengthened lashes will naturally fall out, and you’ll need to start the process all over again. You’ll only get lash serum benefits while you’re using it.

Reason #3: Lash Serum Takes Time to Work

Lash lifts give almost-instant satisfaction. Your lashes can go from flat and straight to lifted and curled in an hour or less (another half hour or so later, they can also be dark and defined).

Eyelash serum results aren’t as speedy. After about a month of daily application, you might see a difference, but full results can take up to 3 months to make an appearance.

How to Use a Lash Serum With a Lash Lift

First step? Study the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them exactly.

When you know how to use your specific serum, here are 5 extra simple rules:

1. Wait 24 to 48 hours after your lash lift before applying an eyelash growth serum.
2. Apply your serum consistently during the initial period (usually 3 months). Every. Single. Day.
3. Don’t apply the serum more frequently than recommended. Overdoing it might give you side effects, not better or quicker results.
4. Only apply the serum to your upper lashes.
5. Let the serum dry for about 5 minutes before you apply eye makeup (not that you’ll need it with your flattering lift, curl, and tint!)

Best Lash Serums to Use With a Lash Lift (#1 Pick)

With so many serums and formulations all promising amazing lash rewards (from those containing prostaglandins to ones with peptides or vitamins as the active ingredients), I’ve made it my mission to find out which ones work.

I’ve researched and tested tons of serums (I’ll try anything to stretch my undersized lashes!) and have rounded up my favorites – so you don’t have to waste time applying something that won’t ever create your dream lashes.

I personally stay away from prostaglandin-based eyelash serums because of the potential side effects. My personal favorite for some time has been the LashLuxury Growth Serum. A lot of my clients have used it and I have yet to see an adverse reaction, yet the results are quite good.

Pro Tip: Check out my definitive guide to the top lash serums right now.

Is There a Lash Serum Alternative to Use With a Lash Lift?

Your go-to 1-ingredient hair mask also works wonders on your lashes.

Research says coconut oil can repair lashes and encourage them to grow. So, if you’re keen to go all-natural, nourish your lashes with coconut oil instead of a growth serum.

Here’s how to DIY a coconut lash serum in 3 steps.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve found a growth serum that’s made your lashes grow and glow with health, keep using it with your lash lift. These lash heroes work well together.

Eyelash growth serums can help prep lashes for their lift, make lift results showier, and keep lashes in top shape between lifts.

…Just remember you must apply it diligently for up to 3 months before you’ll get full benefits, and the lengthening, thickening results aren’t yours for keeps.

– Asako