'This $26 lash serum has completely transformed my short, straight lashes.'

I once paid $200 to get itchy, red, inflamed eyes. 

OK, I should clarify — I had merely booked in for my regular four-week lash extension infill when I strangely developed an allergic reaction to the glue and found myself in the doctor’s room parading eyelids the size of golf balls. 

Desperate to remove all traces of the allergy-inducing glue, I grabbed a bottle of extra virgin olive oil from the kitchen and stood in my bathroom rubbing and ripping off every lash — fake and real. I was… a lashless sight. 

I spent weeks hibernating at home, refusing to step outside looking like a hairless cat. My small Asian eyes and short, straight lashes were my biggest insecurities growing up, so hiding behind bold, luscious fakies was like my security blanket. Now, that was gone. 

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But I knew I couldn’t hibernate forever and I needed to act quickly to find a solution that would naturally promote my eyelash growth — and ASAP. 

Enter: lash growth serums.

It’s been nearly seven years since my tragic allergic reaction, which means I’ve spent seven years trialling pretty much every lash serum on the market to find the best one for my sensitive eyes. But from the hundreds of products I’ve tried, there are only a handful I owe my life (and confidence) to that I would happily recommend to my nearest and dearest — which includes you, dear reader. 

So, here are the five lash serums I’ve repurchased several times that will indeed leave you with healthy, shiny, full, and extra-long lashes with consistent use — all without needing to spend hundreds of dollars on treatments. 

The best lash serums for sensitive eyes.

Long Lashes Eyelash Enhancer, $99.

 Long Lashes Eyelash Enhancer, $99.

After doing a lot of research, I knew I needed to steer clear of some popular lash growth serums that contained certain ingredients. So, when I stumbled across Long Lashes, an Australian-made product free from parabens, hormones and petrochemicals, I knew I had found my match. 

Upon first application, I noticed the thin consistency dried down within seconds and it didn’t leave a sticky residue on my skin or between my lashes. After two weeks of using it morning and night, I started seeing a drastic improvement in the length and thickness of my lashes. I especially loved how this serum reduced fallout during sleep and makeup removal. All these years later and I still rely on this serum to quickly revive my lashes.  

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, $25.90.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, $25.90.

Most effective lash serums on the market range upwards of $85. So, of course, its price tag is the most attractive feature. For less than $26, you get 5ml of serum, which is more volume than the majority of the serums on the market that clock in at 3ml. 

Aside from the price, my sensitive eyes loved this formula because it's free from alcohol, oil, silicone and gluten. Instead of nasties, this light, non-greasy product contains 11 active ingredients, including four peptide complexes and natural extracts to enhance the length and density of your lashes. 

Compared to others on this list, this serum does take a bit longer to work its magic. However, when those results kick in, you’ll definitely be impressed. 

Lash Therapy Eyelash Serum, $89.95.

Lash Therapy Eyelash Serum, $89.95.

This serum first came to my attention when a video of an influencer flaunting the longest, thickest natural eyelashes I had ever seen, popped up on my Instagram feed and I quickly purchased a tube. 

In less than three weeks, I noticed an improvement in the length and strength of my lashes transforming from short and stubby to longer and more uniform, with results peaking at five weeks. 

The natural seven-ingredient formula is also free from parabens and hormones, so rest assured your sensitive lashes and eyes are in good hands. Bottom line: this is an excellent option if you’re hoping to lengthen your lashes ASAP. 

Etude House My Lash Serum, $6.40.

Etude House My Lash Serum, $6.40.

I was doubtful when I heard all the Korean skincare girlies swore by this Etude House product for healthy lashes. $6.40 just seemed a little too farfetched for an effective lash serum. 

However, being a K-beauty enthusiast, it was a small price to pay to find out if this cheap product actually lived up to the hype.

After six weeks of consistent use, I saw a difference in density more so than length, with clearer results peaking around the eight-week mark. It’s made with an abundance of vitamins and nutrients that help prevent lash loss, including extracts from ginseng, iris, aloe vera leaf and dogwood.

I would recommend the Etude House My Lash Serum to anyone who wants to save money and is after strength and thickness, more than dramatic changes in length — and is in no rush to achieve it. 

Benefit Cosmetics Whoop Lash Serum, $89.

Benefit Cosmetics Whoop Lash Serum, $89.

When my friend recommended this, I was dubious about adding yet another one to my collection. 

But after applying it to my lashes every night for six weeks, I can honestly say I love it and it even managed to fix a stubborn bald patch in the inner corner of my right eye. 

It’s formulated with botanical extracts like hibiscus and safflower for thickness and density, provitamin B5 to promote shine, and biotin to condition and nourish, making it another keeper for those with sensitive eyes. 

I should note that this is on the pricier side of serums, with one tube only containing 2ml for $89. However, this is still a small price to pay for excellent results, especially compared to the hundreds you’d be dropping on regular extension infills or lash lifts. 

Feature image: Supplied.

Have you tried any of these lash serums before? Share your thoughts in the comments below.