How Long Do I Leave Eyelash Serum on? Expert’s Answer
Rockie NgIf you’ve been dreaming of longer, fuller lashes without the hassle of extensions, chances are you’ve come across eyelash serums. These products promise big results, but only if you apply them correctly and consistently. I learned this the hard way during my first month of use.
So, in this guide, Napricot will show you how to apply eyelash serum properly, how long to leave it on, and how to make it a natural part of your routine. Keep reading.
How to Apply Eyelash Serum
Step 1. Remove Any Contact Lenses
The first thing you should do before reaching for your lash serum is remove your contact lenses.
This step is more important than it might seem. After all, having lenses in during application could allow serum to accidentally get on or under them, leading to irritation or blurred vision! I once forgot and ended up blinking through discomfort for hours.
Once your lenses are out, give your eyes a short break (around 10 to 15 minutes is ideal). That way, the serum will be fully absorbed once applied, helping you avoid the risk of transferring product back onto your lenses when you put them in again.
Step 2. Remove Makeup and Cleanse Your Face
After removing your lenses, the next crucial step is making sure your eyes and face are completely clean. Use a gentle remover followed by a cleanser to wipe away all traces of makeup, oil, or dirt.
Why is it important? Leftover makeup (especially waterproof mascara or eyeliner) can block the serum from absorbing effectively into the lash line.
Additionally, from my observation, applying the serum to clean skin consistently yields a smoother glide and reduces the likelihood of clumping or uneven application.
Step 3. Apply the Lash Serum
Once your lashes are prepped, it’s time to apply the serum!
Gently pull out the applicator and glide it along your upper lash line, right at the roots, just as if you were applying a very fine layer of eyeliner. Start at the inner corner and work your way outwards using a steady hand.
It might be tempting to coat both top and bottom lashes, but there’s no need. Blinking naturally transfers a small amount to the lower lashes without direct contact. I used to double-apply thinking it would speed things up, but instead, I just irritated the skin below my eyes. Less is more here.
Step 4. Remove Any Excess Serum
After applying, take a moment to check for any excess product, especially around the outer corners of your eyes. If there’s any pooling, gently blot it away using a clean tissue or cotton swab.
All in all, a thin, even layer should be enough and is precisely what your lashes need to thrive. Otherwise, leaving too much product on the skin can increase your chances of redness or sensitivity.
Step 5. Apply Continually and at Night
Lastly, to truly see results, consistency is everything! Lash serums need daily use to deliver visible improvements.
Furthermore, applying it at night works best. Your skin repairs itself during sleep, after all, which creates the perfect environment for the serum’s ingredients to get to work.
Personally, I made it part of my nighttime skincare routine and noticed fuller lashes around the 8-week mark. And once you reach your lash goals, you can taper down to using it 2 to 3 times a week just to maintain the results.
How Long Do I Leave Eyelash Serum on?
After applying, give the eyelash at least 3 to 5 minutes to fully absorb before layering on other products (like moisturizers or eye creams). Usually, this brief window allows the active ingredients to settle into my lash line and start nourishing the follicles without interference.
That said, the real secret isn’t just how long you leave it on, but how consistently you use it. Hence, to see visible results (fuller, longer lashes), you’ll need to apply it every night for at least 2 to 3 months.
Do You Put Lash Serum on Lashes or Skin?
No. It might feel natural to apply lash serum directly onto your lashes; after all, that's what you want to grow. But that's not how it works!
The correct place to apply lash serum is on the skin at the base of your upper lashes, right where your lash line begins. Here's where the hair follicles live, and that's what the serum needs to reach to stimulate new growth.
You don't need to apply a lot; I usually just paste a thin line across the upper lash line using the applicator provided. Also, as you blink, a small amount may naturally transfer to the lower lashes as well, so there's no need to apply it underneath.
Should I Put on Lash Serum Before or After Mascara?
Always apply lash serum before any mascara, and ideally at night when your face is clean and free from makeup. The serum needs to sink into the lash line without anything blocking its path, and mascara can act as a barrier that prevents absorption.
Your best bet is to make lash serum the final step of your nighttime skincare routine. This approach gives it plenty of time to work while you sleep, when your body naturally repairs and regenerates. Plus, it also ensures that nothing (like eye makeup or rubbing) gets in the way of the growth process.
FAQs
How long do I leave eyelash serum on before?
You should wait at least 3 to 5 minutes after applying lash serum before layering other products, such as moisturizers or eye creams. It gives the serum time to absorb properly into the lash line without being diluted or wiped away.
How long should I leave eyelash serum on after application?
Lash serum is not meant to be rinsed off, so it should be left on overnight or throughout the day if applied in the morning. The longer it stays undisturbed, the more effective it will be in nourishing the follicles.
How long does lash serum take to work?
Most users experience visible results, such as longer or fuller lashes, after 6 to 8 weeks of consistent daily use. For best results, continue for at least 2 to 3 months before scaling back to a maintenance schedule.
How to apply lash serum to bottom lashes?
Most lash serums are designed for the upper lash line only, since blinking naturally distributes a small amount to the lower lashes. Direct application to the lower lash line isn’t usually recommended, as it can increase the risk of irritation or product getting into the eyes.
What happens when you stop using lash serum?
When you stop using lash serum, your lashes will gradually return to their natural growth cycle. That means any thickness or length gained from the serum will slowly diminish over a few weeks as older lashes shed and new ones grow in.
Conclusion
Regarding how to apply eyelash serum, technique and consistency are everything. So, remember to apply it to clean skin at the lash line (not directly to the lashes themselves) and allow it time to absorb without any interference. A little patience goes a long way!