Does the New Olaplex Lashbond Serum Really Work?

Applying my mascara has been my favorite part of my cosmetics regimen since I was a teenager. There's just something about the dramatic before-and-after effect of curled, darkened lashes that sets my beauty-loving heart aflutter. As such, I have long been fascinated by the emergence of lash-growth-enhancing serums and sampled a wide range of them. On the luxury end of the spectrum, there is the Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow & Lash Enhancing Serum ($150). If you're a green-beauty fan, you simply cannot beat the Luna Nectar Moon Boost ($76). Most recently, I'd been reaching for the Vegamour Gro Volumizing Lash Serum ($72).

Luna Nectar Moon Boost

From

$76

$76 at lunanectar.com

Vegamour Gro Volumizing Lash Serum

From

$72

$72 at Sephora

But back in the early 2000s, these over-the-counter serums were not as readily available as they are now. After experiencing the brittle, damaged aftermath of removing my eyelash extensions in 2010, I remember visiting a doctor's office in order to pick up prescription Latisse. I was concerned by the warning on the box that it could make the irises of my eyes turn brown, but I was so desperate to address my state of lash devastation that I used it anyway. It admittedly worked beautifully on my lashes, but looking back, it could have contributed to my predominantly green eyes becoming more hazel.

Yet there is another compelling reason to consider over-the-counter eyelash serums as opposed to prescription-strength offerings. New York-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, reveals that ingredients in Latisse (namely, Bimatoprost and other "prostaglandin analogs and prostamides") can have the unwanted side effect of orbital fat loss around the eyes. This results in a sunken or hollow-eyed appearance. This is why Dr. King recommends formulas that are "peptide based and/or contain botanical DHT blockers," including Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum ($68), which launched in April.

Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum

From

$68

$68 at Sephora

To see if the new product does what it claims to, I put it to the test. Keep reading to learn more about the formula and whether it worked for me.

According to the experts, the new Olaplex formula ticks off some of the main boxes for lash-growth formulations, which I appreciate. Robinson, for example, names "biotin (vitamin B), botanical extracts, peptides, amino acids, proteins, collagen, ceramides, oils, and other vitamins like C and E" as his preferred active ingredients to seek in lash-conditioning and -growth formulas. I also love that the brand is vegan and cruelty free. (As much as I love my makeup, causing harm to animals is never worth it.)

As for how it works, licensed pharmacist Alisha Reed explains, "Peptides have been shown to promote hair growth by stimulating collagen production." Dr. King reveals that the biotin in the formula actually works topically, improving strand texture and strength against split ends and breakage, thereby helping them to grow longer. As for hyaluronic acid, the humectant provides a hydrating and conditioning function, particularly for lashes that have become brittle from damage. Dr. Reed shares that this can also contribute to creating an optimal environment on the eyelid for them to grow from.

To test the formula, I applied the serum morning and night over the course of six weeks.
Remembering to apply it was the hardest part. The product goes on as an easy last step in your eye-care regimen, leaving behind no residue. I also experienced no irritation or stinging and had even had Lasik eye surgery performed the week before. (My doctor, Dr. Gregg Feinerman, assured me that it was safe to begin using.)

I do not wear makeup every day, but when I do, I always curl my lashes and apply one of my favorite mascaras — lately, that has meant Tower 28 Make Waves ($20) or Gucci L'Obscur Lengthening Mascara ($35). My lashes have come a long way from their brittle and damaged post-lash-extensions state, but Dr. King notes that even curling them, or getting treatments like lash lifts, can still cause damage. So in addition to supporting my lashes in growing longer and fuller, I liked knowing that I was helping to show them some TLC preventatively.

Tower 28 Make Waves

From

$20

$20 at Credo Beauty

Gucci L'Obscur Lengthening Mascara

From

$35

$35 at NET-A-PORTER US

The moment when I really noticed how good they were looking came after about a month, during a Palm Springs getaway. I hadn't been applying makeup very often, so when I was getting ready for dinner, I noticed that my lashes were especially popping. They looked lengthy and fanned out in a way I hadn't noticed sans mascara but that definitely made me do a double-take with it on.

It's definitely a worthwhile investment for someone dealing with damaged lashes. As someone who has always had long eyelashes — routinely smearing mascara on my glasses lenses, with tips that are bleached from the sun — I found the post-lash-extension damage I experienced upsetting enough to seek lash serums years ago. I went the prescription route with its problematic side effects but retrospectively would have preferred to have used this formula back then.

I also think it's worth a try for those who simply want longer lashes. Dr. Reed says lashes are not simply ornamental but that they serve an important function in protecting the eyes. So supporting their growth is valid in a way that goes even beyond aesthetic preferences. To help the process, she says, you can supplement your serum with a nutrient-rich diet and by testing for nutrient deficiencies.

At the end of the day, does the Olaplex Lashbond Serum work? Yes. I will absolutely be finishing the bottle — and can't wait to see the continued results.

★★★★