Beauty Buzz: A First-Hand Look at Latisse

 

It's no secret. I want super long lashes. Always have. Always will. I joke that I want to braid and bead them. Do I have long lashes naturally? Um, no. Am I always searching for the life-changing mascara or miracle topical ointment? You betcha! Do any of them work? Not really.

When I first saw that add about LATISSE® with Brooke Shields, I'll be honest, the long warning disclaimer scared me off. There is no way I wanted my hazel green eyes to turn brown. Permanently. Besides, I don't have 'eyelash hypotrichosis' (inadequate or not enough eyelashes). I have enough, I just always want more and I want them longer. Yet, seriously, who doesn't want to look like Brooke Sheilds? I have since I was 10 years old! So I was intrigued.

Then a little over two months ago I was invited to a press panel discussion marking the one-year milestone since the introduction of LATISSE®. LATISSE®, by the way, is a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% and the first and only FDA-approved treatment to grow lashes longer, fuller and darker. I just had to check it out. Carol had been using it for a while at this point, but she is braver than I am!

The panel was comprised of a few doctors and a couple of real users of the product, who swore they would sell their soul to the devil to pay the $120+ monthly cost. One of the women said she used to have tragic lashes, and now they are enviable. Of course being the skeptic I am, I had to go up for a closer look.

 
Brooke Shield's actual before and after

 
A blonde model's actual before and after

 
A medium-brown model's actual before and after

Here are some LATISSE® stats:

• 25% increase in length of their eyelashes (vs. 2% for vehicle)
• 106% increase in thickness/fullness of their eyelashes (vs. 12% for vehicle) 
• 18% increase in darkness of their eyelashes (vs. 3% for vehicle)

So how is LATISSE® used? It's a once-daily prescription treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile, single-use-per-eye disposable applicator. It's best to do apply it at night before bed because it can drip and you can't wear contacts for 15 minutes following application. Glasses are preferred. Full results are expected at the end of 16 weeks.

I also learned during the panel discussion that women of every age are using LATISSE®. Younger patients are looking to achieve a more dramatic look and women 50+ years old, just want the have the youthful lashes they had in their 30's and 40's. Asian women may experience skin darkening around the eye area due to the eyelid anatomy. Since the debut of LATISSE® over a million bottles have been distributed. If you are apprehensive about the cost, many users claim they now use less mascara and eye makeup which could be seen as a cost savings to offset the prescription costs. Also, be sure to ask your dermatologist for coupons. Every little bit helps.

 

OK, so what about the permanent brown eye thing? Of course I had to know. Well, it is extremely rare that it happens and to date there have been no cases reported, but it could happen so they have to warn you. Note that it's only people with brown flecks in their eyes that need to be concerned. So if you already have beautiful baby blues or brown eyes, there is no likely risk to you.

I had a doctor on-site assess my eyes (your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will for you before they can write a script for you anyway). Even though I wear contacts and do have brown flecks in my eyes, I was a good candidate. Besides, if I noticed my eyes starting to turn brown, I'd stop! No worries there. So needless to say, I ran to have my prescription filled!

I wanted to sample the product until I noticed (or didn't notice) a determinable difference in my lashes, so I am happy to report after 2 months of using LATISSE® I can say, my lashes are noticeably longer! Oh, and my eyes are still the same color.

Here is what I can tell you first hand. I find the solution makes my lids itch a bit, so as of a month ago I started applying LATISSE® every other night. My lashes are already dark so I can not attest to whether they darken with continued use. My lashes are not much fuller than originally, but that was not a priority for me. What I am excited about is that they are indeed much longer! I began to see a difference after a month. Now two months later I am really happy! In fact, with mascara…they touch my sunglasses! I have even heard stories of women who have had to trim them. This stuff works! Seriously. If you are at all curious, I urge you to speak to your doctor and try it.

Be warned, once you stop using LATISSE® though, your lashes will gradually return to their previous state. Results are not permanent.

For more information or to find a doctor visit LATISSE® here.

– Lauren Dimet Waters