The under-$15 drugstore eyelash serums that are better than falsies

The pursuit of your dream lashes has traditionally felt like a pricey endeavor. You can spend a few hundred dollars to get them lifted or tinted, or invest in a luxury serum that promises some sort of miracle result. And then there’s always the option of slapping on some falsies or mascara, but those aren’t exactly perfect, either, considering they need to come off before bed. Recently, a crop of lash serums have been popping up at—wait for it—the drugstore, making longer lashes an accessible option for anyone. Yes, drugstore eyelash serums are a thing, and yes, they really do work on par with some of the pricier options on the market.

Even if you aren’t looking to up the oomph factor on your lashes, adding a serum into your routine may still be a good idea. Considering you condition the hair on your head on a regular basis, shouldn’t your lashes get the same treatment? Serums can help nourish the hair and prevent fallout, and though making wishes on lost lashes is admittedly a fun activity, most of us are looking to hold onto as many of them as possible for the long haul. Here, five options to help you do it—all for under $15.

L’Oréal Paris Eyelash Serum with Lash Caring Complex ($15)

Women who tested L’Oréal’s (brand new!) eyelash serum reported seeing longer, thicker lashes in just four weeks. It’s formulated with nourishing ingredients like glycerin, pro vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid to condition your lashes while also helping to promote grow. I was first introduced to this product by Beyoncé’s makeup artist, Sir John, (#casual name drop), who swears by the stuff for keeping the lash line long.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Serum ($10)

In addition to strengthening and lengthening lashes, women who tested this eyelash serum reported that they had less lash fallout when they removed their makeup—something we can all appreciate. It leaves behind a beautiful, natural shine, too, so your lashes will look ready to go with or without mascara after four weeks of use.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Serum ($8)

Apply this formula every night (it can be too thick to wear under mascara), and the brand claims that over time you’ll see a 100 percent increase in their length. You can also swipe it on your brows for a little extra  up there, too. This one does have methylparaben in it, though to make sure that no bacteria from your eye festers in the tube, so if that’s something that concerns you, you’ll want to choose another option on the list.

Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Eyeliner & Serum ($11)

Physician’s Formula’s lash growth product is a little different than the other options on the market. Instead of applying it the way you would a mascara, it goes on the same way a liquid liner would. This helps it to target the base of your eyelashes, promoting growth from the root.

No7 Lash Impact Lash Serum ($10)

No7 uses a blend of biotinoyl tripeptide—AKA short chains of amino acids—to give lashes a bit of an extra boost over time.  Expect fuller, thicker, and darker lashes in eight weeks with regular use, which a lot of reviewers online have confirmed to be the case. But this one has parabens in it, too for the same reasons, so use only if that’s something you’re comfortable with.

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