The differences between a mascara and a mascara serum.

Before lending sensuality and softness to the gaze, eyelashes serve a protective function for our eyes. They trap foreign bodies (dust, sand, sweat droplets…) at the eyelid margin to prevent them from entering the eye. However, certain habits, factors, and/or actions can weaken them and affect their growth.

Indeed, daily makeup removal and application, repeated or poorly executed eyelash extensions, inadequate cleansing, dust, using an overly harsh makeup remover, and frequent eyelash tinting all place lashes under significant stress and can greatly contribute to premature loss. Therefore, to maintain strong, less brittle lashes, it’s important to select the right treatments. Between lash serums and mascara, which should you prioritize? Here are the differences:

• Functions: Depending on the desired effect, mascara can be designed to curl lashes, lengthen them, or provide volume. While the primary purpose of mascara is the cosmetic appearance of the lashes, that of the mascara serum extends beyond this function. It is intended to maintain eyelash health. In addition to nourishing and strengthening lashes, this specialized formulation of active ingredients also stimulates the growth of new lashes. Furthermore, the mascara serum is ideal for addressing brittle or sagging lashes. Consequently, the mascara serum is regarded as a treatment, whereas mascara is considered makeup;

• Composition: By enveloping the lash surface in a continuous wax film with mascara, lashes are intensified and lengthened with each application: these effects are instantaneous and superficial. Conversely, mascara serums are notably distinguished by their action on the catagen phase of the eyelash growth cycle, where they aim to stimulate hair follicles to ensure optimal anchoring and prolong lash lifespan. They also supply essential nutrients necessary to activate regrowth and improve lash resilience, making lashes less brittle and more robust. The effects are perceived only after several days but yield long-lasting results;

• Application: Whether short or long, sparse or thick, it is important to regularly care for eyelashes, especially during a makeup routine. To do this, you should apply a mascara primer in the form of a serum applied before mascara. It can be used both day and night, stimulating lash growth to minimize fallout and ensure better mascara hold. However, make sure it is completely dry before applying mascara. In fact, mascaras tend to weaken lashes, which is why a base is applied beforehand. With the mascara serum, there’s no need to go through that step because it already contains nourishing and fortifying active ingredients. This eyelash makeup treatment thus combines the properties of a mascara base and those of a traditional mascara in a single product.