Review: Rave for drugstore eyelash growth serum!
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free skin care · Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:14 am

The full name of this product is "ARDELL LASH & BROW GROWTH ACCELERATOR," but that wouldn't fit in the product line and probably wouldn’t have grabbed your attention and made you want to read this thread, so I used certain keywords that I was pretty sure would grab your attention...now let's get down to business:

I tint my own lashes with an amazingly simple DIY lash tint kit in blue/black and I use three different lash conditioner/growth products (Starlash, DreamLash and the Ardell) - although I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my “Lucia” lash growth miracle stuff that our lovely Faith has sent me from Japan. In the past, I’ve also used Talika Lipocils and Mavala Eyelite Doublelash eyelash growth serums, so this isn’t my first foray into those types of products.

My eyelashes are getting so dense and lush – not to mention longer – that they are actually getting tangled up when I try to apply any type of mascara or lash treatment so that I actually have to use the metal Sonia K. lash comb both before and *after* I apply them!

Golly, what a terrible problem to have.... nanny, nanny, boo-boo: my eyelashes are longer than your’s are!! The trouble is, I don’t know which one of the three is responsible for it, or if it’s a combination of all of them. But I don’t want to stop using any one of them to try and find out.

Anyway, the combination of my longer, lusher lashes, and the glossy colored results I get from the DIY lash tint kit means that I no longer feel the need to wear a traditional mascara during the day. I’ve been searching for a clear mascara that will impart a look of glossiness for a completely natural look.

Believe it or not, the best product that I have found for this is Ardell's Lash Growth Accelerator which isn't even a mascara, but a lash conditioner that is supposed to encourage growth. I've found that this stuff actually gives my bare lashes some definition (for the "natural, daytime look") and it also holds a curl all day with one of those traditional clamp-type lash curlers, so that's what I've been using the last week or two and so far I'm very pleased!

This product is clear, but it somehow defines the lashes and – I know this is my imagination because it doesn’t contain any ingredients that would do this – I swear it also makes my lashes look a bit longer. It’s the damnedest thing, really, because this stuff actually gives me the natural and healthy, but still defined, look that I’ve always wanted from a traditional mascara. Maybe what I’m actually seeing is simply the increased length of my lashes caused by the growth serum/s. In other words, the Ardell is simply emphasizing exactly how long my lashes really are becoming...?

It’s also a lash conditioner, so it’s going to give them moisture. And so long as you don’t apply anything on top of the Ardell, this stuff holds the curl all day long, regardless of whether you use a crimp-type lash curler or a heated lash curler. In my opinion, this stuff out-performs any “prestige” brand of mascara or lash conditioner that is on the market regardless of whether you’re talking $5 or $150.

I’ve also used Lamas Lash Masque in the past for a “natural” look in the daytime, and although I liked it well enough, the Ardell blows it out of the water! The fact that this stuff costs less than five bucks makes it all the more remarkable. Ulta stores and most CVS Pharmacy locations have this stuff in stock and you’ll find it in the aisle/area where they sell the false eyelashes and false eyelash adhesives and the like.

Personally, I’ve cleaned out two Ulta stores and one CVS of the Ardell that they had in stock, but I imagine you can find it at the other locations that I haven’t visited yet!! Wink

*** ETA: I want to clarify one thing: the Ardell holds the curl in my lashes all day, but only if I do not apply any other product or mascara on top of the Ardell. If I use the Ardell as a lash "primer," then apply some brand of mascara over it, then the curl in my lashes (from a traditional crimp-type curler) goes limp within minutes. Fortunately, IMHO, I don't need to apply any kind of mascara on top of the Ardell because my lashes look just great without it! *** Bottom line: this stuff is fantabulous because it can do double-duty as a lash conditioner/growth serum and as a clear mascara. If you’re looking for a cheap, effective way to grow your lashes, then this is your product – the only thing cheaper would be if you smeared (cold-pressed) castor oil on your lashes before bedtime, but the Ardell is much less messy!!

The lemming-master says you must rush out and buy this now!! Remember, in the U.S., I know you can get this at Ulta stores (and probably fromwww.ulta.com) and at local CVS pharmacy locations, although I couldn’t tell you if this is available outside the States....

Your ever faithful guinea pig in beauty,
Carrie

free skin care · Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:37 am

Oh my God - I'm so excited I can't stand it!!!! *Must* find this today!!!!! Your lashes nearly "tangle"? -- This is extremely exciting!!!!
Thanks for this review, Carrie - this is really exciting for me - who is desperately lash-challenged!!!!
Annie

Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:40 am

I have Carrie to thank for getting me a tube of the Ardell. I read a few positive comments about it on MUA and was really interested in trying it. Carrie also got me DreamLash and I'm actually using both together.

I don't know if it's my imagination or not but my lashes are now in better condition than a week or so ago after my unfortunate experience with Napoleon mascara. I swear that my bottom eyelashes are longer but this could of course be my imagination.

Like Carrie, I also tint my lashes and find that the Ardell (applied over the DreamLash in my case) does give some definition to the lashes and seems to make them a bit longer as well. I think it might be because it makes them look more glossy. I am not sure if you'd get the same results if you were to use it on un-tinted lashes in place of a mascara. Bootom line is that I agree with Carrie - this stuff (or combination of the two products in my case) is great and I will continue using it and monitoring the results Smile

ps. Thanks Carrie

free skin care · Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:37 am

ohh wow...That sounds great!!! Shock

Carry,like i said-you really should make a webside!!Or a book? Your tips are fabulous!!!!!

free skin care · Thu Jul 28, 2005 3:38 am

OKAY....you convinced me yet again. Thanks to your suggestion about the HA supplement, my top lips is now as plump as my bottom one. So now I must have these long, thick lashes you speak up. So the quest begins.....yet again!

At least it's cheap!

Lori

free skin care · Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:44 pm

Hey I live in Vancouver Canada, do you think they sell Ardell here? And it seems that many of you did lash tint? Since my lashes are black already, are they able to tint it a much darker shade then? Thank you!! Very Happy

free skin care · Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:02 pm

Stardustdy wrote:

Hey I live in Vancouver Canada, do you think they sell Ardell here? And it seems that many of you did lash tint? Since my lashes are black already, are they able to tint it a much darker shade then? Thank you!! Very Happy

I wouldn't say mine are *much* darker, but they are darker, and glossy; kind of wet looking~that's key~, and the blond tips are gone. Very Happy

Sat Jul 30, 2005 1:48 pm

I've got sort of bad genes in this department. I have very sparse eyebrows (and one completely bald spot near the arch, on both sides

) and eyelashes. I definitely have to give all of these growth enhancers a shot but I just wanted to say.. on little-to-no make-up days, I put any kind of chapstick (apply to your index finger and thumb, rub on lashes) on my lashes (clear ones or ones with a little shimmer) -- really makes your lashes look plump and glossy, and it lasts!

free skin care · Mon Aug 01, 2005 3:23 pm

Hello!

I noticed in a lot of the topics, such as this one, people talk about people sending them items. Are they samples of different items? How do you get added onto this list?

Where do can you get the DreamLash?

Please let me know!

Thanks!

Tue Aug 02, 2005 2:11 am

Hey all, I just wanted to let especially the people in Canada know where you can buy these eyelash products that are available...basically Ardell Eye and Brow Accelerator is not available in Canada, and from the extensive searching on the internet that Ive done it cannot be shipped to Canada, either. So that is a no go, which is too bad, cause it sounds like a good product...Mavala Double Lite eyelash serum cannot be purchased in stores in Canada, nor can Dream Lash, as far as I know, but you can order these two products in Online stores, etc. and get them shipped to you.
Also, that Lucia one is not available in Canada, it has to be purchased elsewhere, and so does the 1000 lashes eyelash tint kit.

So that is all that I know for now, (kinda discouraging, I know) so if anyone knows otherwise or where else to buy products I would be happy to be updated.

I myself have ordered the Mavala Double Lash eye serum and i believe also the Lucia one...so we'll see how that goes and hopefully all goes well!

This forum is really great! I really like to read all the products that everyone has tried and their hints and tricks...what an awesome place to share info! I will be sharing my faves in the near future as well Very Happy

well everyone have a good night, ttyl
glittergal Wink

free skin care · Tue Aug 02, 2005 5:23 am

thatgirl wrote:

I noticed in a lot of the topics, such as this one, people talk about people sending them items. Are they samples of different items? How do you get added onto this list? Where do can you get the DreamLash?

First of all, DreamLash is available at Walmart stores in the U.S. for less than $10USD per tube, but I don’t know if Walmarts in Canada have it. Ardell Lash Growth Accelerator is available at Ulta stores and CVS Pharmacies. I know that Ulta has a website (www.ulta.com), but I’m not certain if they sell Ardell online and/or if they ship internationally.

In regards to “people talking about people sending them stuff,” I believe this is a reference to me. I have volunteered to be a “personal shopper” to several EDS members living overseas. Whenever I make a product recommendation that isn’t readily available outside the U.S. and it triggers a lemming moment for my fellow EDS members, I offer to go out and purchase that item and ship it to him/her and s/he reimburses me via PayPal.

free skin care · Tue Aug 02, 2005 6:02 am

Carrie,
Isn't Ardell serum similar in description to DreamLash?
Aren't they both protein based serums?

Mabsy said she applies both so there must be a difference.

free skin care · Tue Aug 02, 2005 6:36 am

kpka wrote:

Carrie,
Isn't Ardell serum similar in description to DreamLash?
Aren't they both protein based serums?

Mabsy said she applies both so there must be a difference.

Yes, I think they’re both protein based serums, but I use all three at the same time, as does Mabsy – we were both just trying to hedge our bets, trying all the products at the same time to see if we could jump start our lashes.

My Lucia lash serum from Japan arrived over the weekend and I’ve been applying it since Sunday. I’ve been diligently applying it twice per day to my clean, bare lashes. Obviously it’s too soon to see any growth yet, but when I woke up this morning, my lashes were really curled to kingdom come!! (This was a good thing!) The only thing I can think of that might be causing this because of the gel sitting on your lashes all night with your eyes closed -- it kinda forces the lashes up into a curl, liking a perming or setting lotion for the hair...?

In addition to the super-curl, my lashes looked really shiny and glossy this morning, but I re-tinted my lashes with the 1000 Hours kit on Sunday so I don’t know if this was an actual result or merely a coincedence.... For the record, at night I’m only using the Lucia on my lashes, but during the day, I apply the Lucia and wait for it to dry, then I apply a thin coat of StarLash, then a thin coat of Ardell. I’ll keep you posted on any further developments regarding the Lucia so stay tuned!

free skin care · Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:52 pm

Is Dreamlash the brand or product name?

If I wear mascara during the day, when do I use these items?

Thanks!

free skin care · Wed Aug 03, 2005 3:31 am

Alright, damnit – which one of you went out and bought up all the tubes of Ardell Lash Growth Accelerator????? I’ve had three members PM me asking me to send them some, but when I went out shopping on my way to work this morning, I stopped at three different 24-hour CVS Pharmacies and only managed to locate one lousy tube!! So come on, ‘fess up – which one of you did it?!

I realize this is the height of paranoia, but I sometimes wonder if there isn’t someone out there who monitors this board for the products we rave about, then goes out and buys up as much of it as possible and then hawks it on Ebay...? Remember, it started with Jergens Natural Glow, then after that frenzy regarding the Japanese eyelash serum, all of the sudden someone on Ebay has a tube to sell. I have a mind to go look and see if someone is hawking Luxor and/or Ms. Manicure diamond foot files, Paves shine serum and Ardell lash stuff over on Ebay....

thatgirl wrote:

Is Dreamlash the brand or product name? If I wear mascara during the day, when do I use these items?

For the record, ThatGirl, you would apply the DreamLash or Ardell lash serum at night, after you remove your eye makeup, then you leave it on overnight. You could probably also apply a thin layer of one of the serums in the morning, then apply your regular mascara over it. It would act as a type of leave-in conditioner, like you put on your hair before you blow dry and fry it with the straightening iron. DreamLash is both the brand name and product name (click here to learn more: http://www.amerimark.com/cgi-bin/amerimark/cat_item.html?prod=25553&media=G01111&days=XVQ&OVRAW=%22Dream%20Lash%22&OVKEY=dream%20lash&OVMTC=standard), and it’s currently available at Walmart stores in one of those “aisle-cap” displays in the cosmetic section.

Wed Aug 03, 2005 5:10 am

carekate wrote:

Alright, damnit – which one of you went out and bought up all the tubes of Ardell Lash Growth Accelerator?????

OMG!

You're kidding! If you come across it again then *please* get me another tube, I beg you! This is doing wonders for my lashes (in combo with the DreamLash) and while I know it will last ages I would like to try it on my brows as well. The thought of not being able to get this again doesn't sit well with me Confused

I do think you're right with that you said. This board is most certainly read by non-members and is watched for any recommendations (and there's nothing wrong with that of course). I wouldn't be surprised if some people were buying strategic items to put on eBay.

free skin care · Wed Aug 03, 2005 3:55 pm

I actually think that everytime Carekate posts a review of something than in a few days that dissapears from the shelf.
I am not blaming Carekate because I just love reading all her reviews. She is very detailed in all her reviews as far as ingredients and comparison to similar products. I personally tried almost all products she reccomended and I wasn't dissapointed. Her reviews attract a lot of attention and it could be that someone reads it and then just puts products on ebay knowing that a lot of people participate or just read in this forum.
I think it stinks but what can we do?

free skin care · Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:48 am

I've been using this for about a week. I can't be 100% sure but I think my eyelashes might be a bit longer. Still, it's early days yet. Hopefully with continued use I will be able to tell for sure in another couple of weeks.
Does anybody know if the growth will plateau with this sort of product? Or will my eyelashes continue to keep growing as long as I keep applying it?

free skin care · Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:29 pm

I swear I didnt go out and buy up all the ardells...in fact when I went into CVS, I felt like I had won the lottery there sat 2 tubes. I actually only bought one so the next one racing in could feel like she won the lotto too. Very Happy

I've been using this for about a week, way too soon to tell. But I am now wanting the lucia, omg it sounds wonderful. And Carrie thanks again for your honest reviews, at least I know if you wrote it, then its the truth, not a sales pitch.

free skin care · Fri Aug 05, 2005 5:22 am

I just hope that CVS and/or Ulta have some kind of automated inventory control systems that monitor items being purchased and flag them to let the store’s inventory buyers know that it’s time to re-order additional stock.

I checked at another CVS this morning and was slightly more mollified to find two tubes of it left, but I’m still about three tubes short of being able to fulfill the “personal shopping” PM requests that I’ve received.

For those that have PM’d me asking for a tube (or two) of Ardell, I’m trying to get enough stuff to fulfill your orders so please be patient. As soon as I have enough, I will PM that individual to finalize everything so please know that I’m not ignoring you or blowing you off....

Toe wrote:

Does anybody know if the growth will plateau with this sort of product? Or will my eyelashes continue to keep growing as long as I keep applying it?

I honestly don’t know if continued use would keep your lashes growing ever-longer. I don’t know if this is true or not, but someone once told me that when you’re born, your DNA is actually programmed to only allow your hair to grow only so long, which is why many women try for years and years to grow out their hair really long, but it never seems to get past a certain length.

I’ve actually experienced this myself to a degree. When I was a teenager, I desperately wanted super-long hair like my step-sister’s who had (naturally) platinum hair to her waist. I thought if I could get my red hair to grow as long as Chrissy’s, we’d make a really striking pair and would have all the boys melting at our feet. But alas, I was never able to get my hair to grow past shoulder length, no matter how hard I tried or how many supplements I took or whatever. Finally I just said, “f*ck it!” and whacked my hair off super short (think Halle Berry). And to be painfully honest, short hair suits my face and features better anyway.

The point is, if our eyelashes are “programmed” with the same genetic code as the hair on our head (or even our breasts – if you were meant to have big tits, you’ll have em. If not, no amount of breast enlargement cream or pills is going to take your little molehills and turn them into mountains!!) then they’re only going to grow so long and no matter what you do, they ain’t going to grow past that predetermined length.

So...I guess if you subscribe to that particular philosopy, then the answer to Toe’s question is, “No, they won’t keep growing indefinitely.” It’s probably like my lip plumping oral supplements, it’s going to help you “be all you can be,” but it isn’t going to give you what you weren’t meant to have in the first place. And if you stop taking the pills for your lips, or stop using the serum to maintain your lashes, they’ll probably eventually return to their previously puny and pitiful state.

At least, that’s *my* theory on the matter!

free skin care · Fri Aug 05, 2005 5:51 am

I think they would fall out before they could get too long too.

free skin care · Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:39 am

I just ordered this from Beauty.com (Drugstore.com) for $3.50!!! Couldn't resist after reading these reviews...also I gave up and got the Vincent Longo lip/cheek stain that Carecate raves about so that I got free shipping (isn't it funny how we jusify things...) Very Happy

Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:21 am

happyhippie wrote:

I just ordered this from Beauty.com (Drugstore.com) for $3.50!!! Couldn't resist after reading these reviews...also I gave up and got the Vincent Longo lip/cheek stain that Carecate raves about so that I got free shipping (isn't it funny how we jusify things...) Very Happy

Excellent! Worst comes to worst, we know that it can be ordered online - plus they have free shipping over $25 Smile

Looking forward to hearing your results with the Ardell...

free skin care · Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:38 am

FYI - I just found out that Walgreens pharmacies also stock Ardell Lash Growth Accelerator and I bought up all the tubes they had on the rack at the Walgreens down the street from my house. Very Happy

So that's three places that it can be found: Walgreens and CVS pharmacies and Ulta stores. Remember -- it'll be in the cosmetic section of the store where they display the false eyelashes and glue stuff.

free skin care · Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:02 am

Carrie - do you have a mole in New Hampshire or something? Every CVS I've tried does not have the Ardell.....grrr.....Damn it, Carrie, stop being so greedy!!! lol Laughing

I'll try the Walgreens next. Just started my third week of Lucia - don't think I've seen a change as yet, maybe the Ardell would kick it up a notch.....

Maria Laughing

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