The eye is the jewel of the body.
-Henry David Thoreau
Before (top) and after (bottom) with using Latisse for 1 year.
Women have been trying to enhance the beauty of their eyes for millennia. The Egyptian queen, Nefertiti, used black kohl eyeliner to accentuate her almond-shaped eyes circa 1350 B.C. and Cleopatra was known for creating the thick cat-eye style that is still a major beauty trend today. Large, prominent eyes are associated with increased attractiveness, confidence, and beauty. And while eyeliner and mascara can create the illusion of well-defined eyes, makeup is only temporary.
Many women are turning to longer-lasting, more permanent solutions to enhance their eyes and boost lashes. Latisse, a medication approved in 2008 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), claims to increase the length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes and is safe for long-term use. So, what exactly is Latisse, and how does it work?
Latisse
Latisse is a topical solution that is used in its generic formulation (bimatoprost 0.03%) to lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. It’s lash-enhancing effects were found empirically after observing that glaucoma patients developed beautiful, lush lashes while using this medication. It wasn’t long before pharmaceutical companies took notice and began repackaging this medication for cosmetic use.
According to a large, well-designed study, Latisse was shown to improve the appearance of eyelashes in 78.1% of individuals. However, it does carry some risks. The most common side effect of Latisse is irritation of the eyelid skin. This can be minimized by dabbing away any excess medication with a tissue after applying it to the lash line. It is also important to note that some individuals using bimatoprost for glaucoma develop a darkening of the irises (the colored portion of the eye). Yet, unlike Latisse, patients with glaucoma place drops directly into their eyes. While the risk of iris darkening still exists with Latisse, it has been reported in a smaller number of people. If used properly, Latisse should be applied to the upper lash line only using a special applicator brush. This technique results in very little medication finding its way into the eye. Light-eyed individuals are at highest risk for iris hyperpigmentation.
Over-The-Counter Lash Serums
Latisse and its lower-strength counterpart, Lumigan (bimatoprost 0.01%), are available only by prescription. However, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) products that claim to boost lashes, such as Revitalash, Rapidlash, Lilash, and MD Lash Factor. Many of these OTC products contain vitamins, natural extracts, and botanicals that are thought to thicken and lengthen lashes. Some of these agents are also potential “prostaglandin analogs”, with similar effects to prescription bimatoprost. One of the major concerns with OTC products is that they are not regulated by the FDA and therefore, their safety and efficacy is largely unknown.
A serious side effect with both prescription and OTC lash boosting products is the potential for bacterial and fungal infections. Proper technique must always be used when applying these medications. The bottle should not be in contact with the eye at any time and a new brush should be used with each application.
Please watch the video to learn the proper application technique of Latisse.
Lash-boosting Procedures
If applying a lash-boosting serum to your eyes every night does not appeal to you, several procedures are available to improve the appearance of your lashes. Individual eyelash strips can be applied with a special glue directly to the lashes and are best for temporary use, such as prior to an important event or photograph. Eyelash extensions can last for a longer time—up to 3-4 weeks—but they must be applied by an aesthetician and can cost hundreds of dollars. Surgical eyelash transplantation is a procedure that should only be limited to victims of trauma or burns or individuals with a genetic absence of lashes.
Mascara
New mascaras containing “fibers” can make lashes noticeably darker and denser. These fibers are typically made up of tiny nylon, silk, or rayon strands contained within the mascara solution that adhere to the tips of the lashes. These formulations need to be removed and reapplied daily.
Whether it’s a topical medication, cosmetic procedure, or thickening mascara, there are plenty of options out there to help you achieve enviable lashes. Consult your dermatology provider if you are interested in trying prescription medications to boost your lashes.
References
Allergan. 2019. Primary efficacy end point data. Available online at: https://professional.latisse.com/About-Latisse/Efficacy/Overall-Prominence. Assessed 5/31/20.
Barron-Hernandez, Y. (2017). Bimatoprost for the treatment of eyelash, eyebrow, and scalp alopecia. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 4, 515-522.
Hataye, A. Is there a medication to thicken eyelashes? Mayo Clinic. Available online at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/latisse/faq-20058367. Accessed 5/31/20.
Jha, A., Sarkar, R., Udayan, U., Roy, P., Jha, A., Chaudhary, R. 2018. Bimatoprost in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 9(3), 224-228.
Jones, D. (2010). Enhanced eyelashes: prescription and over-the-counter options. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 35, 116-121.
Lipp, M., Athalye, L., & Nami, N. (2019). Bimatoprost-induced iris hyperpigmentation: beauty in the darkened eye of the beholder. Cutis, 104(02), E7-E9.
Revitalash Cosmetics. Revitalash advanced eyelash conditioner & serum. Available online at: https://www.revitalash.com/products/revitalash-advanced-eyelash-conditioner. Accessed 5/31/20.
Rud, M. (2019). These are the best fiber mascaras for sky-high lashes. Byrdie. Available online at: https://www.byrdie.com/best-fiber-mascaras-4768906. Accessed 5/31/20.
SkinStore. RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing serum. Available online at: https://www.skinstore.com/rapidlash-eyelash-enhancing-serum/11289440.html. Accessed 5/31/20.
Sullivan, R. TGA sends warning about popular eyelash growth serums after Lilash banned from salons. Available online at: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/face-body/tga-sends-warning-about-popular-eyelash-growth-serums-after-lilash-banned-from-salons/news-story/9ea1524d194f228246db6eec9b09932b. Accessed 5/31/20.
Woodson, S. (2009). Empirical discovery yields treatment for sparse eyelashes. Nursing for Women’s Health. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-486X.2009.01426.x