Eyelashes really are the best window dressing for your peepers. But how best to make them count?
Is it REALLY possible to grow lashes (more than you were born with)?
Well, since the discovery of the effect of a prescription drug used medically in glaucoma, the answer is resoundingly yes. Bimatoprost (the drug found in Latisse and Lumigan) is used medically to lower the pressure inside the eye - the desirable “side effect” of longer, darker and thicker lashes was noticed in patients and led to it acquiring a cosmetic licence for use on the lash line only as the drug Latisse. In the UK, we use Lumigan off-label for this purpose.
Is Latisse safe?
It should be used according to the manufacturers’ guideline - single-use disposable brushes are used to apply a small amount of the drug and each ampoule, once opened, should be discarded after use. It’s applied a bit like a liquid liner on the top lashes, and care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin, or within the eye to avoid the risk of pigmentation. It can also be used on the brows to boost their growth. Like any eye drop, it can cause sensitivity and irritation and should only be used after consulting with a prescribing physician. This is important, as it’s a drug!
Does Latisse really work?
Yes! It works by prolonging the growth phase of the hairs and it also increases the total number of hairs in this phase.
In the pivotal clinical study experienced, subjects experienced:
- 25% increase in lash length (vs. 2% for vehicle)
- 106% increase in lash thickness/fullness (vs. 12% for vehicle)
- 18% increase in lash darkness (vs. 3% for vehicle)
So once you’ve boosted your lashes, you now have the option of taking them to the next level with cosmetics.
My faves:
- Surratt Eyelash Curlers
- IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
Dr Emma’s faves:
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- Lancome Hypnose Mascara
Then finally, to get your lashes ready for bed, you need to cleanse with care. We’re both fans of a gentle micellar water approach. Bioderma Sensibio is hard to beat. But Talika Conditioning Gel is also great if you're wearing a bit more eye make-up, as it's non-oily and doesn’t tend to trigger milia.
Whilst your eye make-up remover won’t affect the health of your lashes, it WILL affect the condition of your skin around your eyes, so gently gently is the way!!!
Wishing You Great Lash Days!!!
Dr Sam xo
