As eyes are getting all the attention when the face is covered with a mask, I’ve been putting a lot of focus on my lashes these days. While my natural lashes are semi-long, they appear pretty wispy and annoyingly point straight down. What’s more, I look sleepy all the time with my monolid downturned eyes so I long for a lush set of lashes to look fresh and more alert. When I think of ways to get more voluminous and elongated lashes without resorting to expensive eyelash extensions or dramatic falsies, eyelash serums and mascaras come to mind.
Do eyelash serums really work? I decided to test out the Long Active Eyelash Serum from COSNORI by applying it twice a day during a three-week trial. On days when I wanted a more defined and fanned-out look, I topped my lashes with the Korean beauty brand’s Perfect Setting Waterproof Mascara for an extra lift. Read on to find out whether the two products helped me achieve the luscious lashes of my dreams.
COSNORI − Long Active Eyelash Serum
What Does It Do?
The daily eyelash growth serum contains a patented peptide, which boosts elasticity, fortifies damaged lashes and prevents breakage, keeping lashes in a healthy and strong condition. Hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract and sodium hyaluronate in the formula nourish hair roots and brittle lashes to promote eyelash growth. The water-based serum doesn’t leave a greasy after-feel nor does it cause irritation.
My Take:
During my first application, I didn’t control the amount well and got a heavy load of serum inside my eyes. Surprisingly, the serum didn’t sting or cause redness, proving how gentle the oil-free formula is. After spending a confusing couple of days trying to work out a way to cover all my lashes, I figured it was best to apply the serum onto my roots with the ball tip first, and then coat my upper and lower strands evenly using the curved spoolie brush. I stroked through the outer corners a few more times to encourage extra growth. The gel-type serum didn’t drip or produce runoff, making the application a mess-free process.
I started to notice a slight difference in the fullness and density of my lashes around two weeks in. The change wasn’t dramatic, but the serum resulted in thicker lashes and a darker lash line. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a subtle upward curl of my lashes even without the help of an eyelash curler. I also noticed fewer lash falls after using the serum. On the downside, there wasn’t a notable improvement in my lash length. Given that most eyelash serums take at least a month or two to start showing full effects because our lashes are on a seven to eight-week growth cycle, I’ll have to wait and see if the serum’s lengthening effect appears after a longer period of regular use
COSNORI − Perfect Setting Waterproof Mascara (Long & Curl)
What Does It Do?
The waterproof mascara comes in a sweat and sebum-resistant formula to keep lashes curled up throughout the day. It contains fibers of different lengths that adhere to lashes seamlessly to add volume and length. Nourishing ingredients, such as silk amino acids, hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, moisturize and protect lashes while boosting elasticity. The gel texture glides on lashes smoothly and offers instant definition.
My Take:
I don’t wear a lot of eye shadow and eyeliner, so putting on mascara is an especially important step in my makeup routine. As an advocate of barely-there makeup looks, I opted for the Long & Curl version of COSNORI’s Perfect Setting Waterproof Mascara that promises a natural-looking finish. I applied the mascara right after using the eyelash serum, and the two products were compatible with each other without clumping.
The mascara’s thin C-curl brush allowed easy application from the roots to the tips. It grabbed each of my lashes − including the most hard-to-reach ones at the corners − and stretched them up and out with a fluttery lift. The mascara checked all the boxes by providing my lashes with extra length and volume while leaving a sleek, lacquered finish. The long-lasting formula didn’t transfer to my under-eye areas or lids after a whole day out. This mascara might offer too little oomph for those looking for maximum drama, but the formula is buildable so you can coat your lashes to your liking. Despite its waterproof capabilities, the mascara easily dissolved away with my staple eye makeup remover from Bifesta.
Final Verdict
This duo from COSNORI definitely took my eyelash game up a notch. With the Long Active Eyelash Serum, my natural lashes look denser, darker and more lifted. The growth serum might not deliver instant wow-inducing results, especially in terms of lengthening, but it nourished my lashes, making them healthier and stronger with fewer breakages. As with most eyelash serums, consistency is the key so I recommend placing the tube on your vanity for regular use and being patient about seeing visible results. I’ll keep using the serum because the improvements during this trial have made me feel better about my lashes, and a few simple swipes a day won’t hurt.
As someone with a preference for low-key sophistication rather than over-the-top glamor, I’m totally sold on the Perfect Setting Waterproof Mascara. It gave my lashes a distinct perk-up to look more awake and put-together even with minimal makeup. The only drawback is that because the formula is so lightweight and quick-drying, my lashes became a bit crusty after a long day of wear, but you can always fix this by applying another fresh coat. If length and definition are your priorities, consider adding this mascara to your makeup rotation!
