After testing a bunch of high-priced mascaras, I was ready to move on to excellent drugstore ones (hello, Cover Girl Lash Blast Length) and away from those that promised a lot and failed to deliver. It was around this time that a publicist from L'Oreal contacted me about trying their new
L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum.
The first such serum to be available at the drugstore level, L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum boasts a pro-keratine, pro-peptide, pro-vitamin B5 formula that also contains the amino acid arginine. In other words, it contains ingredients that help lashes grow thicker and longer by infusing them with good stuff. To achieve optimal results, it's recommended that you apply the serum in the morning before putting on mascara and then at night before you sleep. Sweep the applicator on your lashes, then use the tip to swab the upper lash line.
The publicist sent me three full-size tubes of the serum. Because I received so much product, for this review I decided to pass on the other tubes to friends Aliza and
Cwangdom to test. Here are our impressions of the product in a nutshell.
Aliza: I'm not a creature of habit so throwing a lash serum into my routine every night was challenging. Needless to say, I didn't use it every night as instructed. The upside is I think I still saw a slight difference in my lashes after a few uses. They were slightly darker and seemed fuller. However, this product stings if you get it on your lash line and anything burning around my eye is a turn off. Plus the serum is pretty thick. Once applied, it makes your lashes seem like you've done too much crying, so going out before it dries is not recommended.Cwangdom:I noticed that my lashes appeared to be slightly thicker/fuller but not longer, shinier or darker. It takes a little while to add it into the routine. I was applying the serum every day after I curled my lashes and under my mascara in the morning. I found that when I put on the serum it pretty much cancelled out using the eyelash curler, which was annoying. I didn't like using it at night because I would wake up with dry clumps of stuff on my lashes--not the most lovely sight. It seems like the serum is more like a glorified clear brow/lash gel. I wouldn't continue using this product as the results weren't worth it. I'd rather just use the eyelash curler and mascara.
My Take: Like Aliza, I found that L'Oreal Lash Serum did sting a bit when it got in the eyes. After trying to use it as a mascara primer once and finding the product too sticky and clumpy, I gave up. (Kudos to Cwangdom for persisting.) Instead, I only applied the product at night. Like Cwangdom, I noticed that it left whitish clumps on my lashes in the mornings but they came off pretty easily when I washed my face. After 4-6 weeks, I did notice that my lashes appeared thicker, longer, and darker. The results weren't as noticeable as what you'd achieve with makeup, extensions, or false lashes.
All in all, I'd say give this product a try if you're curious. At roughly $13 Cdn, you don't have much to lose, but results aren't guaranteed. I also suspect they aren't as dramatic as what you'd get with a prescription product like Latisse.
Have you tried L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum? Do you use any other products on your lashes?
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