Sick of fillers, falsies or puny eyelashes? GROW YOUR OWN. I grew my own and they're officially long enough to sweep crumbs off of tables.
You may remember a couple of years ago I tried out magnetic eyelashes. They're great for anyone going for the completely unnatural and borderline psychotic look. With a touch of refrigerator magnet.
A few months after THAT particular life debacle I invested in genuine eye lash serum, which I figured was yet another kind of snake oil. You put a drop of it on a tiny brush and then swipe it across your lash line every night before bed. Just the upper lashes.
You then wake up with feathery, luxurious, almost unappealingly long eyelashes - 3 months later.
I went with Latisse because in Canada it's the only option that's medically approved for use on eyelashes for growth. Because of that, you need to get it from a doctor. Most dermatologist or plastic surgery offices carry it along with medispas.
There are a TON of other eyelash serums, most of them completely ineffective. However I've heard nothing but good feedback about the Rodan & Fields Lash Boost which you can get without a prescription (you can actually get it on Amazon), plus it's a tiny bit cheaper. BUT not medically approved (in Canada) for lash growth.
Latisse was the first lash growth product on the market.
It was originally developed for use in glaucoma patients. Then all of a sudden all the test subjects started growing crazy long eyelashes and eye lash Latisse was born. The active ingredient is a form of prostaglandin, which is also what's in Rodan & Fields lash serum.
The problem is, Latisse admits to having that medical ingredient in it which is why it's labelled as a drug and needs to be prescribed.
Rodan & Fields also uses the drug, but doesn't "admit" to it and therefore isn't listed as a drug. This is me dumbing down the lingo and circumstances because I'm basically dumb.
What I am sure of is that because of their use of this ingredient but not selling it as a "drug" Rodan & Fields is currently facing a couple of federal class action lawsuits. Mainly because they didn't acknowledge this ingredient or the side effects.
I'm so pretty.
The difference in my face between wearing mascara and not wearing mascara is unsettling. I look as though I've just crawled my way out of Chernobyl.
Latisse takes at least 3 months to work enough that you see the results. Rodan & Fields apparently only takes 8 weeks.
Latisse made my eyes quite dry when I first started using it but that seems to have levelled out. What do I mean by quite dry? Do you remember when I took a woodworking course with my mother, Betty, a couple of winters ago? We were using wood lathes to make pepper mills. At one point she grabbed my elbow and pulled me to the side to whisper something to me. Being a wood working shop there was a lot of machinery running so she ended up screaming at the top of her lungs "I THINK YOU HAVE PINK EYE."
That is how red and dry my eyes were. The forever floating sawdust in the shop wasn't helping.
Side Effects of Latisse
Which is one of the side effects.
Eye redness - Sometimes using the serum will cause your eyes to dry out a bit which makes them red. In my case they got really red. But now, after having used it for a couple of years on an off, I don't notice any redness.
Eye colour change - Another side effect that people are worried about is that Latisse will change the colored part of your eye (the iris). Although it's technically a side effect for the drug there hasn't been a single case of this happening in Latisse users. Ever. (as of this post)
Eye colour change only happens (and even then only in 1-2% of patients) with people using this as an actual glaucoma medication where their entire eye is doused with it in the form of an eye dropper.
Eyelid darkening - This is a side effect that I didn't experience either. Some people can however experience eyelid skin darkening which may or may not go away when you discontinue use.
So if that's been your fear about using these products, then fear no more.
Yes. I'm sure there are rare cases where people have unwanted side effects, but they are very rare and also will reverse once you stop using the product.
Now back to me and my broom-like eyelashes that just batted their way out of Chernobyl.
Being the worst blogger in the world I don't have a very good before picture of me and my natural (un-Latissed) eyelashes.
This picture is from my review of the magnetic eyelashes post, which is worth reading if you're ever considering clamping spiders to your eyes with magnets.
The eye on the right is my natural eyelashes. The one on the left is the magnetic lashes. Trust me. It's a GOOD shot of the magnetic lashes. The kind they'd use in promotional materials because it would almost make you believe these things are wearable.
magnetic lashes on left ---- real lashes PRE Latisse, on right
As you can see my natural lashes (on the right) are puny.
Now what they look like after using Latisse (with my favourite Loreal Voluminous mascara).
Closed eyes. ( In case you weren't familiar with the look of someone sleeping, deep in prayer or watching a horror movie. )
Opening up like a lash covered drawbridge.
BAM. Terrifying. Those are terrifying lashes right there.
Latisse Eyelash Tips
- Cost? Around $150 per 5 ml bottle.
- The little bottle of Latisse goes much further than they say it will. A bottle is supposed to last 1 month. I've found it lasts closer to 3-4 months.
- You'll go through the most amount of Latisse in your first 3 months while you're wearing it every day.
- Try very hard to remember to apply Latisse every single night.
- After 3 months of continuous use you'll have camel eyelashes but you'll notice growth in the first month.
- Once your initial 3 months of use are up you can slow the Latisse application down to 2 or 3 times a week.
- I did not notice my lashes growing in any darker. They're still invisible without mascara.
- To help prevent dry eyes be careful not to use too much product. You only need a tiny bit. If you use too much it can seep down into your eyes which is what causes the red eyes and dryness.
- The box recommends using a new brush for each eye every night. However this wastes product. I use one brush for both eyes every night (and then throw it out and use a new brush the next night). Doing this allows you to use just ONE drop of Latisse instead of two. Which is how you can make your serum lasts months longer than they say.
- Latisse will also work on eyebrows the same way it works on eyelashes.
- If you STOP using Latisse your eyelashes will go back to the way they were. I know this because I stopped once thinking they seemed long enough then just sort of randomly used it once every few weeks or so. One day I looked in the mirror and realized all my lashes were back to normal and I had to start the whole 3 month every night process all over again.
All of these points would apply to the Rodan & Fields product as well.
If you have any questions ask away below. I'll just be over here doing a handstand, sweeping the floor by blinking my eyes.
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Julie
Hey Karen...I have been wondering about Latisse for years, so thanks for the review! Some women i know have had lash extensions, but that seems like misery to me...apparently up to an hour and a half to put them on...without opening your eyes! I may try Latisse!
Alena
I will have to give one of these a try. I used to have a very decent lashes - I could feel the bit touching my glasses if I had mascara on (I did not feel it with no mascara) - it was actually a bit irritating.
Having lived the first half of my life in a socialist country, the choice of mascaras was rather limited but I found a product that worked wonders for me. It was a mascara that came in a tiny tube, a strip of firm plastic and a tiny brush. You squeezed out a bit of the mascara on the piece of plastic and used the brush to apply it to your lashes. I don't know what made it so special, if the mascara was that good or if applying it with the brush (kinda like a tiny tootbrush but a lot thinner) made a difference. But the mascara stayed on all day, did not flake off, it was simply awesome. I think I was close to the camel eyelashes that Karen mentioned (my natural eyelashes were long at that time).
Then, several decades later, I noticed that it REALLY is not good for you to sleep with mascara on - I sleep mostly on my left side and Inoticed that my lashes on the left eye were getting a lot shorter - I wondered if they broke off with the mascara on?
And as with many other things, age certainly is not helping. My eye lashes are so short these days that I stopped using mascara altogether. Being even paler than Karen, I definitely look like I crawled out from Chernobyl myself. (Actually, I don't like to use Chernobyl in this context because it was a horrible tragedy and out of respect for the victims, we should come up with something from the Adams family or something similar).
K. Hamilton
My eyelashes on one side are much shorter now too, and I sleep on my left side. As I've aged, my lashes have definitely thinned out.
Dd51
My mother used “cake” mascara in the 50’s, Revlon and it came in a little red case that slid open to reveal a cake of dry hard mascara and a tiny little brush, like a toothbrush for dolls. I used it too and it was totally lump and bump free. You might be able to find it on the internet today for all I know. But it was strictly for color, not length or fullness. As we age, all hair (everywhere!) looses color and becomes thinner, a fact of life. I am choosing to live with this rather than spend money and time trying to alter this , mostly because I am also getting lazier as I age along with an attitude of who cares/notices? But this Prescription level formulation does work, and as with all drugs it comes with side effects which may or may not appear for you.
Debbie
I had been using Latisse for several months and when I went to the eye doctor, she noticed some abnormality in my eye tests. Thought it might be the start of macular degeneration. Took several more tests which were inclusive. Stopped the Latisse immediately and next year for my eye exam, everything came back normal. Won't use it again. Made my eye lashes longer (they would hit my sun glass lenses all the time), just wish they had made them a little thicker. In any case, I am fine with my lashes au natural anytime over possible eye problems.
Lynne Burns
I also had a terrible reaction from using Latisse. I developed iritis in both eyes. This is a known side effect of the drug. Have a friend that same thing happened too. Very painful and scary.
Angie S
Your eyelashes look great, but what I want to know is what skin care products you use!?!? Seriously. Please?
Marilyn Meagher
I would have liked to see a picture of your lashes after using the latisse without mascara. Side by side with the before pic. It’s hard to see if they really have grown much when you have mascara on. I know they have but it would be good to see the difference.
Karen
I did! The photos of me without mascara ARE after using Latisse, lol. You just can't see them because my lashes are clear. ~ karen!
Ron
I think you might be better off with a separate brush for each eye and using each of them twice. That way if you happen to get an infection in one eye you won't unknowingly pass it on to the other eye.
Ella
I used Latisse for years until I discovered Eye Envy. Only $79 and works every bit as well as Latisse. Latisse actually made the skin on my eye lids darker. They’re almost back to normal since using Eye Envy. I buy it at my hair salon in Toronto. Comes in a tube with its own brush so I more disposable non-recyclable brushes either!
Karen
The problem with the tube in the brush is contamination if you get an eye infection. But we all use mascara with the same brush sooo. ~ karen!
Danni McLaughlin
My skin got darker too!
Dona
Is Eye Envy a PLACE or a Product?
Ellen
WOW...so Jellin'!
I've only tried Lash Envy mascara and there was hardly any mascara in the tube, ugh.
I also tried a Lash lift and tint, I liked those results even with my short lashes.
Alas, my eyes are sensitive and easily irritated and pour tears at the slightest cool draft!
I'll stick with mascaras for now, waterproof until the temperatures rise.
maura
Interesting post and great comments!
Sara
It will last even longer - a lot longer - if you use the thinest eyeliner brush you can find. It still holds a drop, but doesn't scratch your eyelid and holds a 'smaller' drop, which is all you really need.
Ei Con
Don’t buy an eyeliner brush. Buy a size ‘00’ sable paintbrush. Works wonderfully for me to apply a very thin eyeliner liner. Should work well for applying Latisse as well.
Yvonne
Sara, my dermatologist told me the same thing. I use a thin eyeliner brush.
Jenny
Sara, you are spot on! I work for a cosmetic dermatologist and we give each Latisse purchaser a fine point eyeliner brush and throw away the awful ones the company includes. One small drop easily does both eyelids! You can easily wash it out in the sink. The other recommendation is to use it IN THE MORNING-no more problems with the product migrating into your eyes while you sleep. (Plus, it will be on longer--all day vs. just overnight.) I'm post-menopausal and my once-glorious lashes had grown pale and thin, but Latisse made them long and full again. I'll NEVER go back! (I find that I still have to use it 4-5 days a week to maintain them, although the dang younger office staff can get away with 3-4 days a week. )
Donna
I have been Eye Envy product for months now. It Works Awesome. Much longe4 lashes in a few months. No side effects. You can buy this product in Canada at salons or at esthetician’s spas. About $75-80 per tube. My first tube has been use since last June and now almost empty.
Check it out. 🥰
Danielle
I also highly recommend Eye Envy! I used Latisse for a few months, but my eyelids were irritated and red the entire time. Then I made the mistake of trying lash extensions (professionally done). This completely deteriorated the sparse lashes that I did have. Eye Envy is amazing! It lasts much longer than the instructions (1 tube every 6 months minimum)
Martha
and.....I have a son who's eyelashes are so thick and full he trims them off. Life is so NOT FAIR.
Kim
I tried tinting and curling (professionally) my eyelashes for awhile. It works amazing and is more gentle on your eyelashes than daily mascara. I totally recommend it for you fabulous new lashes! They are beautiful!
Maria
Actually, Jan Marini was the first to come out with this product and then latisse, copied? Stole? Whatever, lawsuits and lots of drama came next. Big company won out.
You know how they say not to put it on lower lashes? Believe them. Because I can speak from experience you don’t want to look like your eyes are covered with spiders.
True story
Lauren
The Jan Marini lash serum was so good too before they had to reformulate. I was in esthetics school the time this all happened and my teacher was a major Jan Marini fan.
whitequeen96
OMG - thanks for the warning! I want to see pictures of your spider-covered eyes! How long did it last once you stopped using it?
canadamsel
Thanks for posting this. I’d read about eye colour change as a possible side effect, and promptly dismissed any further research, or thoughts of trying it. Now, maybe I’ll give my sparse lashes some help.
janie
They look awesome...BUT...expensive. I use organic castor oil (about $5.00 for 8 oz.) on my eyelashes and nails every night at bedtime. Amazing results. Try it, you'll love it. xo
Pat
How much and nails also???
Patricia Marino
I mean how much do you use?
Jacquie
I use castor oil on my eyebrows which need filling out at the outer edge but Vaseline petroleum jelly on my lashes; I find it works better and doesn't get in to my eyes like the oil does. It is genuinely amazing the difference, I agree.
Mary W
I had the same problem with eyebrows but turned out this is a very common side effect of thyroid problems. I would advise you to ask your doctor for a test of your thyroid. The medicine didn't fix my eyebrows, but the eyebrows did alert me to the problem.
Amy
Mary- what do you mean sparse eyebrows and eyelashes could signal thyroid issues? Curious.
Ashley Collins
I've been hearing about this! I just bought my castor oil last night. Can't wait to see what happens!
Christine
I started the castor oil last week.Can you please tell me how long before l see results?
Karen
I'm actually going to get a relative to do a test of the castor oil. I've seen many claims about it, but my initial thought is if Castor oil actually worked it would be more popular and women would have been using it for years. However ... I will get someone to test it for me to see! ~ karen!
Heather Sykora
I look forward to that post!! I actually suffer from dry eye syndrome and tried rubbing castor oil all over my eyes and lashes, so some migrates onto the inner part of the eyes. It was quite effective at relieving dry eye syndrome and I did think it made my lashes longer, but did not take a pic...
Marcia
I would advise caution using the Rodin and Fields product from Amazon. I think there are phony products out there. I tried what was advertised as that and ended up with swollen eyes after just a few times of using it. Probably best to buy directly from the Rodin and Fields website
Paula
Holy crap! Is that stuff for real? Wow, impressive.
Audrey A. Ogilvie
Hi Karen ~ Your eyelashes look smashing. I have been an eyelash fanatic since I was very young and feel I could write a book about them! I, too, have used Latisse and it definitely works. However, I believe that Careprost has the same formulation. It works like a charm at a fraction of the price and can be ordered on line. It now has a brush like liquid eyeliner so the application is a cinch. It usually comes three at a time. Just a tip that you and your interested fans might want to try. I have never had a single problem with it.
Kmarie
Love it! Lol if you think that looks like spiders I’m guessing mine would be considered caterpillars when I wear them - I love the long black Dolly Parton ones!:) the magnetic ones never did work for me either and I wished I knew longer term effects of Duo glue - cuz I’d wear my lashes every day if I could but I get worried about eye health or effects so I only wear them once a week on outing days or pictures ect 😬 your lashes look great though! 😉 Suits you
Helen
Has anyone tried using an online prescription for Latisse? I used it several years ago when it first got FDA approval (only $100 a tube at the time!) and it worked great. Thinking about trying online to save time and money and wanted to know if anyone has info about going this route. Thanks!
Carol
I did with great results. Sadly I've tried all the serums with zero results.