Overall Success Rate: 51%

Perhaps the biggest fact about Latisse is that it’s the first and only FDA-approved eyelash enhancement solution. It’s manufactured by Allergan, the same company behind Botox. It is a prescription treatment intended to treat hypotrichosis, or having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. Its promise mainly revolves around double the lash fullness in 16 weeks.

The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost, an FDA-approved drug used to treat glaucoma and manage ocular pressure. Hair growth is one of its side effects, and this is used by Latisse to help achieve eyelash growth. Allergan has the patent for this ingredient.

The use is only recommended under the close care of a qualified health practitioner. There have been well-documented side effects, including eye redness, heightened brown pigmentation of the eye’s colored part, and allergic reactions to some of its ingredients.

Official Site: www.Latisse.com

Size and Cost

$130

Primary Ingredients

How to Use

Provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply the product.

1. Before applying at night, make sure that your face is clean, and that makeup and contact lenses have been removed. Any other facial care products have should already be applied beforehand.
2. Get the applicator. Hold it horizontally, and place a drop of Latisse to the area of the applicator closest to but not on the tip.
3. Draw the applicator carefully along the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes (where the eyelashes meet the skin), going from the inner to the outer part of your lash line.
4. Blot any excess solution beyond the eyelid with tissue paper.
5. Dispose of the applicator after one use. Repeat for opposite eyelid, using a new sterile applicator to help minimize any potential for contamination from one eyelid to another.

Positive and Negative Points

PROS

• Extensive information on product ingredient, indication, contraindication, use and application, safety, and special warnings on the their website
• Restricts use to prescription purpose
• Clearly outlines timeline for results
• Affordable price, considering that that it’s a prescription solution

CONS

• Takes up to 16 weeks or four months to deliver results
• Possible common side effects, including itching and/or redness of the eye
• Possible eyelid skin darkening (reversible) and increasing brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye (likely permanent)
• Eyelashes return to original state after stopping use

We’re skeptical about using prescription drugs – or merely “drugs” – when it comes to addressing our cosmetic woes and discontent. Plenty of side effects have circulated everywhere, and we hardly believe that the results are worth the risks. Eyelashes are indeed thicker, longer, and a bit fuller, but you have to bid adieu to all these once you stop using the product. Let’s try to keep things simple – no bimatoprost, no irritation and irreversible side effects. Latisse may be armed with all the necessary ingredients for optimal results, but safety always trumps effectiveness, doesn’t it?