I've received quite a few comments on my eyelashes - not from photos (difficult to tell that way) but in-person. I started applying Latisse in early 2017.
Latisse requires a prescription in several countries including the US. I think the requirement is due to potential side effects that are disclosed with a prescription. Some Latisse users have found their eyelids turn slightly purple (free eye shadow!) and a subset of those have reported discoloring below the eyes which wouldn't be as attractive. In few rare cases, Latisse has been known to permanently darken the iris - turning blue or hazel/green eyes to brown. My eyes are hazel so I was very concerned about the iris color issue.
A year+ later I've applied Latisse once per day and haven't noticed any side effects. The instructions are clear: avoid dribbling any Latisse in your eyes, apply only to upper eyelashes at the lash line, and don't apply it to lower eyelashes. They also say don't re-use the applicator brushes to help avoid contamination. One thing that discouraged me from over-applying is it's expensive... retail price is $120 US dollars for a tiny 3ml container. I was able to find a discount supplier in Pennsylvania (I live in Seattle) - a doctor writing prescriptions based on a questionnaire, uploaded photos of your eyes and photo ID. I know that sounds a bit sketchy but the main thing is I wanted a domestic not overseas source, and not a generic Bimatoprost which might have higher risk of counterfeiting.
I found the one month supply lasts 3 months if I'm careful. I buy the 5ml size now, still pretty small but I've found each 5ml lasts almost a half year. The main thing is I tossed the applicator brushes supplied with Latisse - those are huge and almost seem designed to waste the stuff. Even worse, I found the included brushes difficult to use without smearing Latisse into my eyes. I quickly tossed those and bought a set of 100 eyeliner brushes on Amazon for $8 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VWWX1W6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/nnfs8mq4pjz5to5/2018-06-13%2011.20.21.jpg?raw=1)
6 inch / 15cm box
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ebfj9uefk9r7ano/2018-06-13%2011.23.12.jpg?raw=1)
I keep the overpriced little bottle, toss everything else
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/4hl9r913710202u/2018-06-13%2011.23.40.jpg?raw=1)
Disposable eyelash brushes from Amazon (right side) are better quality
Every time I open a new package of Latisse I feel guilty about the environmentally wasteful packaging. Inside this pretty big box is a bunch of stuff I immediately discard leaving a tiny little bottle. The bottle would be even smaller if you toss the green cover which fits over the screw cap but I discovered a problem: don't do that. If you toss the green cap on the bottle, the remaining screw-cap portion can be over-tightened and a crack forms so it all spills out. Expensive mistake.
I don't know if the instructions to limit application to upper eyelashes is to reduce side effects, but I think an additional reason is: this stuff made my upper eyelashes grow really well, and directly applying to lower eyelashes might cause those to grow too long and look weird. I had to carefully trim two individual upper eyelash hairs with small scissors - shows just how well this stuff works.
For the first month I didn't notice any effect at all. Nuthin'. Two or 3 months, wasn't sure - maybe a bit fuller. At month 4, wow. I was always a Fail at applying false eyelashes (they stuck just fine to my fingers or cheeks, but nowhere else) and after Latisse I haven't had any need to try false lashes again. Even better, I almost never apply mascara now - they're quite visible without it.
I didn't take close-up before photos, but my results are similar to the ones shown on Latisse and related web sites. My understanding is if I stop, my eyelashes will look good for a few weeks but will return to their previous condition after 4 months following the regular hair growth cycle.
So with a word of caution to know in advance about the side effects, after more than a year I've found this has worked great.
I myself use this product below. It is cheaper than the product you use and that tube last me almost 1 yr with daily usage and only cost me $60 ish at the convention. The bad thing is that they only sells it at salons and not doing online retail. My friends who've seen my before and after were also very surprised of the result. Just giving some extra alternative option.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180618/1430a98818420a9fa5542d1ecdc6c0d4.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk
My oh my... Kendra... you are going to great lengths (pun intended) to obtain the longer eye lashes that you desire.
When you feel so led it would be great if you could post a close-up photo showing your results, but obviously only if you feel comfortable doing it.
I think that you are really looking terrific... the last recent photo I saw of you was taken at the Astoria Pride with some of the other west coast GMs. Not a close enough photo to judge your new eyelashes but overall you looked like what you are, a beautiful woman.
Fortunately for me, before I transtioned and was in high school and college my eye lashes were already UN-natuarlly long for a male. They are light in color so mascara brings easily out the longer length.
Thanks for posting.
Hugs,
Danielle
March 2017, started applying Latisse:
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/97jjc2cvlw59iuf/2017-03-05%2013.45.08.jpg?raw=1)
June 2018 with eyeliner, no mascara:
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/umlryfwyodfbk8p/2018-06-18%2010.27.25.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/wqxd9fhw6qk3s3e/2018-06-18%2010.27.27.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/x8atg8k1xqnbsb7/2018-06-18%2010.27.28.jpg?raw=1)
Quote from: Kendra on June 18, 2018, 12:09:05 PM
I've received quite a few comments on my eyelashes - not from photos (difficult to tell that way) but in-person. I started applying Latisse in early 2017.
Latisse requires a prescription in several countries including the US. I think the requirement is due to potential side effects that are disclosed with a prescription. Some Latisse users have found their eyelids turn slightly purple (free eye shadow!) and a subset of those have reported discoloring below the eyes which wouldn't be as attractive. In few rare cases, Latisse has been known to permanently darken the iris - turning blue or hazel/green eyes to brown. My eyes are hazel so I was very concerned about the iris color issue.
A year+ later I've applied Latisse once per day and haven't noticed any side effects. The instructions are clear: avoid dribbling any Latisse in your eyes, apply only to upper eyelashes at the lash line, and don't apply it to lower eyelashes. They also say don't re-use the applicator brushes to help avoid contamination. One thing that discouraged me from over-applying is it's expensive... retail price is $120 US dollars for a tiny 3ml container. I was able to find a discount supplier in Pennsylvania (I live in Seattle) - a doctor writing prescriptions based on a questionnaire, uploaded photos of your eyes and photo ID. I know that sounds a bit sketchy but the main thing is I wanted a domestic not overseas source, and not a generic Bimatoprost which might have higher risk of counterfeiting.
I found the one month supply lasts 3 months if I'm careful. I buy the 5ml size now, still pretty small but I've found each 5ml lasts almost a half year. The main thing is I tossed the applicator brushes supplied with Latisse - those are huge and almost seem designed to waste the stuff. Even worse, I found the included brushes difficult to use without smearing Latisse into my eyes. I quickly tossed those and bought a set of 100 eyeliner brushes on Amazon for $8 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VWWX1W6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/nnfs8mq4pjz5to5/2018-06-13%2011.20.21.jpg?raw=1)
6 inch / 15cm box
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ebfj9uefk9r7ano/2018-06-13%2011.23.12.jpg?raw=1)
I keep the overpriced little bottle, toss everything else
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/4hl9r913710202u/2018-06-13%2011.23.40.jpg?raw=1)
Disposable eyelash brushes from Amazon (right side) are better quality
Every time I open a new package of Latisse I feel guilty about the environmentally wasteful packaging. Inside this pretty big box is a bunch of stuff I immediately discard leaving a tiny little bottle. The bottle would be even smaller if you toss the green cover which fits over the screw cap but I discovered a problem: don't do that. If you toss the green cap on the bottle, the remaining screw-cap portion can be over-tightened and a crack forms so it all spills out. Expensive mistake.
I don't know if the instructions to limit application to upper eyelashes is to reduce side effects, but I think an additional reason is: this stuff made my upper eyelashes grow really well, and directly applying to lower eyelashes might cause those to grow too long and look weird. I had to carefully trim two individual upper eyelash hairs with small scissors - shows just how well this stuff works.
For the first month I didn't notice any effect at all. Nuthin'. Two or 3 months, wasn't sure - maybe a bit fuller. At month 4, wow. I was always a Fail at applying false eyelashes (they stuck just fine to my fingers or cheeks, but nowhere else) and after Latisse I haven't had any need to try false lashes again. Even better, I almost never apply mascara now - they're quite visible without it.
I didn't take close-up before photos, but my results are similar to the ones shown on Latisse and related web sites. My understanding is if I stop, my eyelashes will look good for a few weeks but will return to their previous condition after 4 months following the regular hair growth cycle.
So with a word of caution to know in advance about the side effects, after more than a year I've found this has worked great.
So does it apply with like a mascara brush I'm a bit confused lol
Sent from my SM-S337TL using Tapatalk
Quote from: Arianna Valentine on June 18, 2018, 12:49:50 PM
> So does it apply with like a mascara brush I'm a bit confused lol
It's applied with an eyeliner brush, not a mascara brush. You don't brush it onto the entire eyelashes, but aim for the roots which they call the "lash line." This affects future growth from each eyelash root.
Funny thing, it's "name brand" drugs that are most likely to be counterfeit - brand recognition is a big seller.
My prescription and supply is from one of the largest domestic suppliers of Latisse. I'm pretty sure they would have too much to lose by shipping counterfeit, with liability and professional consequences for the doctor.
I've been asked exactly where this stuff is applied to eyelashes. Here ya go:
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/n1ybc5apnlivzfi/2018-06-19%2006.34.15.jpg?raw=1)
Using eyeliner brush from Amazon
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ugh9c1khelmc6b/2018-06-19%2006.35.11.jpg?raw=1)
Yeah I need to trim eyebrows a bit more. Different topic
Have you noticed any change in your eye color?
I thought about using it as my lower lashes are thin and sparse. When looking at side effects, I came across that it is a possible effect. Otherwise, it appears awesome and you are getting great results!
Quote from: jfong on June 18, 2018, 12:16:04 PM
I myself use this product below. It is cheaper...
Yes, lots of good products out there these days. I have had great results with BabeLash. Also non prescription and quite a bit less expensive than Latisse
FWIW, Ardell Magnetic lashes are the bomb.
Quote from: kaitylynn on June 20, 2018, 05:25:00 PM
> Have you noticed any change in your eye color?
I haven't noticed any change in eye color. I was worried about that but it's apparently a rare side effect. My eyes are still hazel a year later.
While many products are conditioners that improve the health of lashes enabling them to be their natural best (ie coconut oil) , the active ingredient in lash growth serums is Prostaglandin (PG). These hormone-like substances participate in a wide range of body functions such as the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, control of blood pressure, and modulation of inflammation. Latisse is actually a mainstay in the treatment of glaucoma, a disease of the eye. Somewhere along the line it was discovered that there was a happy side effect to this treatment: it made eyelashes grow like weeds.
PG's extend the growth cycle of the lash follicle and it is believed they increase the percentage of active follicles. Although prescription serums have higher concentrations of the most effective Prostaglandins, the majority of high end over the counter products also contain the protein.
There are common side effects to using these serums that are worth considering:
Unwanted hair growth in areas the product repeatedly touches
Darkening of the eyelids
Permanently increased iris pigmentation, which could irreversibly turn light eyes brown, especially if your irises are hazel or green
Read more: https://aestheticsjournal.com/feature/eyelash-and-eyebrow-growth
I tried it early in transition but it gave me red puffy eyelids! 😫
I have eyelash extensions now that I have touched up every few weeks... Love 'em!!!! 😀
Onward we go!!!!
Ashley 😀❤️🌻
Quote from: tgirlamc on July 18, 2018, 10:46:15 PM
I tried it early in transition but it gave me red puffy eyelids! 😫
I have eyelash extensions now that I have touched up every few weeks... Love 'em!!!! 😀
Onward we go!!!!
Ashley 😀❤️🌻
Do they hold up well, Ashley? A customer I serviced last week owns a salon and she mentioned they might work as I was sporting my Avril Lavigne look when I arrived at her door. I was able to use her bathroom to redo everything, though it really left me wondering if extensions might just be perfect!
Quote from: kaitylynn on July 21, 2018, 01:28:48 PM
Do they hold up well, Ashley? A customer I serviced last week owns a salon and she mentioned they might work as I was sporting my Avril Lavigne look when I arrived at her door. I was able to use her bathroom to redo everything, though it really left me wondering if extensions might just be perfect!
Hey Kaitylynn!!!
They actually hold up better than I imagined they would before I tried them... I'm careful with them but you don't have to be over-careful... you lose some between touch ups but it truly isn't noticeable as far as the overall look at all... it's nice not using mascara too!... I had bought some that was safe to use with extension ( doesn't break down the adhesive ) but I only used it once... there really isn't any need .... Put me down as an extensions girl for life!!!
Hope all is well down there in the Southland sister!
Hugs!!!
Ashley 😀💕🌻
@tgirlamc Quote from: tgirlamc on July 21, 2018, 01:47:04 PM
Hey Kaitylynn!!!
They actually hold up better than I imagined they would before I tried them... I'm careful with them but you don't have to be over-careful... you lose some between touch ups but it truly isn't noticeable as far as the overall look at all... it's nice not using mascara too!... I had bought some that was safe to use with extension ( doesn't break down the adhesive ) but I only used it once... there really isn't any need .... Put me down as an extensions girl for life!!!
Hope all is well down there in the Southland sister!
Hugs!!!
Ashley 😀💕🌻
Hey Ash 🌸🌸🌸
Let me know when you have a touch up and I'll come visit. I'd love to get lash extensions.
I'm a bit leery of Latisse and eye color issues.
Kendra had mentioned mine have some length to them already but I feel it would be nice if they were darker. Maybe dyeing them, but that comes with risks too.
Hugs, Jess 🌸🌸🌸
I tried extensions for a while a few years back. There was a GroupOn special, which had the desired result: Got me in and kept me hooked. Best part: No mascara. Worst part: cost and having to go back in regularly. There are very few things I can do every 2 weeks time after time. But they were fabulous while I had them.
I have also tried the One-Two Cosmetics magnetic lashes. (Can you tell I am lazy?) I have yet to get them perfectly in place, despite repeated attempts. I thought I had good fine-motor skills until I tried applying those things...
K
Quote from: KatieP on July 21, 2018, 02:36:36 PM
I have also tried the One-Two Cosmetics magnetic lashes. (Can you tell I am lazy?) I have yet to get them perfectly in place, despite repeated attempts
Ardell Magnetic lashes are the bomb. I modified a false eyelash tool to help putting them on which made it a snap. Didn't need to wear them anymore after 2 months of using Babelash. Lash serums are so much cheaper and less hassle than extensions in the long run if you don't have any side effects from the Prostaglandin.
Quote from: tgirlamc on July 21, 2018, 01:47:04 PM
Hey Kaitylynn!!!
They actually hold up better than I imagined they would before I tried them...Put me down as an extensions girl for life!!!
Hope all is well down there in the Southland sister!
Hugs!!!
Ashley 😀💕🌻
Sold! I am going to make an appointment to try extensions.