Latisse Update!
Leaping lizards, I followed through on my promise to write more about Latisse! (Baby victories here, people.) As I mentioned last month, I’ve started using Latisse, which is a new treatment from Allergan designed to make your eyelashes grow like weeds. Frankly, I was terrified to start using it, because I’d heard a lot of funky stories about it changing your eye color and pressure, and making gals’ lashes grow so long that they had to start cutting them. (Can you imagine?!) Following a training session with an Allergan rep, however, she allayed my fears, and I decided to take the plunge. After all, I’m here as your fearless beauty guinea pig. So, if anybody’s eyes are going to change color and then fall out, it should be mine, not yours, right?
A quick primer on Latisse (I’m tired, so let’s bullet-point this bad boy):
- It’s the first and only FDA approved prescription treatment to grow lashes
- This does not mean that there aren’t other options on the market like Jan Marini, Revitalash, Lilash, etc; they’re simply not FDA-approved (read: didn’t have the same pull as Big Pharma)
- Latisse’s lash growing powers were discovered when it was being tested as a glaucoma drug
- It works by increasing the duration and intensity of the eyelash growth cycle
- You must use Latisse for 8 weeks before seeing results
- True results will be seen after 12 - 16 weeks
- Coincidentally…one bottle will last you about 10 to 12 weeks…right as you’re getting hooked and seeing improvement! (Well played, Allergan)
- 4% of testers reported itchy or red eyes
- The skin next to the lash line may temporarily darken (I’ve seen photos, and this bit doesn’t bother me - it just looks like faint bronzey eyeliner)
And now for the “Wait, seriously?” warnings:
- Latisse may decrease your eye pressure (hence its initial incarnation as glaucoma medication)
- If you have blue/green eyes, and apply the medication directly into the eye (which you’re not supposed to do, but still…) there is a chance your eye color can permanently, gradually become more brown
So! Have I scared the beejeezus out of you yet? I actually had a half hour conversation with my friend who works at Allergan, and although she was “doing her job” in convincing me the product is safe and the negative side effects are extremely rare, I did feel confident in her answers…and in the fact that she uses and swears by Latisse herself.
I’ve only been using it for 3 weeks thus far, so no spidery feather dusters, yet. I have, however, seen an improvement on my eyebrows, where I’ve also been applying it to encourage them to grow. Will keep you all posted!
Tags: Latisse, testing out Latisse, using Latisse on brows, will Latisse make your eyes change color?
November 24th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Well, I still wish you weren’t using it, but I really appreciate your honest discussion!
November 25th, 2009 at 3:59 am
What do you think abouth Lilash? I read so many great reviews
December 14th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
If you are using latisse and looking for a great price - you may want to check out http://www.latisse.bz…M.D. reviewed site. They are the largest retailer of latisse in the US now.