“Does it work?” That’s the first question out of my friends’ mouths when I mention Latisse. Yes! I decided to try Latisse just to see if anything would happen, and secretly hoping that I would roll out of bed like a beauty queen without the falsies. I wasn’t necessarily unhappy with my eyelashes, but they definitely could’ve been darker, longer, and fuller. So it was a “why not?” kind of thing.
I started using Latisse (or bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) a few nights a week when I remembered. It became my nightly routine after the first month, and that’s when I started to see results. Now I don’t even have to wear mascara, but when I do, wow! My eyelashes are longer and fuller than they have ever been, even after using it for just two months.
It’s very important to follow the directions they give you. I wear contacts so I make sure to apply before bed once my contacts are out. You also should apply sans makeup, so nighttime is probably more fitting with or without contacts. Make sure to use an oil-free eye makeup remover because an oily residue left behind from the remover will block Latisse from being absorbed.
There are a few downsides. I have noticed that my eyelids have gotten a little bit darker just at the lash line where I apply the solution, which is a potential side effect. This purple-ish hue is easily hidden with makeup, but when I didn’t use Latisse for a few weeks it lightened up! Phloretin gel can also be prescribed to lighten any darkening at the lash line, although a lot of people like the little bit of darkening! With my contacts I also find that, besides the itching, they are drier than normal the following day after use.
Another important fact is that when you stop using Latisse your eyelashes will eventually go back to their original state. Eyelashes have a growth cycle just like hair, so they fall out without notice and new ones grow in their place. If the new lashes haven’t had Latisse applied to them, they obviously won’t grow as dramatically.
Latisse can also be used off-label (which means it is not FDA approved) for eyebrow growth. I started applying the leftover solution on the applicator to my eyebrows. My left eyebrow is thinner toward the middle compared to my right, so after doing this nightly, I saw a huge improvement! You will definitely have to give your brows a little trim, though.
Overall, I have had an awesome experience with Latisse. I use it a few times a week now to make sure that any new lashes growing in will be as voluminous as the rest. As the only proven lash thickener, darkener, and lengthener, Latisse is the way to go!
Here are some amazing before and after pictures from patients who have tried Latisse!
