We Tried Sephora’s Best-Selling Lash Serum—Here’s What to Expect

I used to be addicted to lash extensions. I loved waking up every morning to a dark, thick, long fringe that made me look polished and put together after years of hearing “you look tired” when my blonde, barely there lashes were void of mascara. But I didn’t love the maintenance, the cost or the effects after I’d let them run their course and ultimately pull out (I know, not good) the remaining few popping out here and there that drove me crazy, leaving me with short, stubby lashes. Then I discovered the power of GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum and I realized I no longer needed my faux fringe. Here’s why this award-winning serum—it’s won our NewBeauty Award several times—is worth the hype.

The Benefits:

Grande Cosmetics founder Alicia Grande cracked the eyelash-enhancing code with this little gold tube of magic. Ophthalmologist-tested and clinically proven, it transforms short, weak lashes by making them appear longer and thicker. Trust me, after three months (possibly even sooner), your friends will be asking you what you’re doing and they’ll want to experience the results themselves. The results look and feel natural—like your lashes, but better—and I especially recommend it for anyone who has suffered with brittle, damaged lashes after lash extensions to help nurse them back to life.

Key Ingredients:

The serum includes a mix of lash-fortifying amino acids, conditioning hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and a blend of nutrient-dense botanical extracts—ginseng root, chamomile flowers and bearberry leaves—that help strengthen the lash follicle.

What It’s Free From:

Parabens

How to Use It:

It’s as easy as a quick swipe across your lash line on each eye before bed (one dip into the tube is enough for both eyes)—I could do it in the dark with no mirror at this point. It’s a clear serum, so unlike the impossible task of applying black liquid eyeliner, this is easy-peasy. I also have contacts, and it doesn’t disrupt my contacts or irritate my eyes (avoid getting it in your eyes though). You can apply it while wearing lash extensions as well to keep your natural lashes underneath healthy and strong.

And remember, it works at the root of your lashes (you don’t have to coat the lengths of your lashes like mascara). One tube is enough serum for a three-month supply, which Alicia created on purpose to last the length of a natural lash hair cycle. Once you’ve got the thicker, longer look you’ve been hoping for, you can apply it every other day to maintain it. Alicia also taught me that using more than one swipe or using it more than once a day will not give you better or faster results.

The Clinicals:

In a 12-week consumer study with 30 participants, results proved what I experience every time I use this serum: 94-percent of users saw healthier-looking lashes, 91-percent saw longer-looking lashes and 97-percent saw more visible lashes (I definitely relate to this one).

The Bottom Line:

There’s a reason why this lash serum is Sephora’s best-seller in the category and has rave reviews: it really works. It’s also so easy to use—it’s basically foolproof, you can’t mess it up—and takes two seconds to apply, which a busy mom like myself can really appreciate. Want more proof? Brooke Shields says she used it on her brows to keep them full after having her baby (postpartum hair loss is brutal and her brows speak for themselves), though we’d recommend Grande’s Brow Serum for those hairs instead.

Price/Where to Buy:

$68, grandecosmetics.com