WTF is... Latisse, anyway?
Eyelash hero or potential blindness inducer?
So… WTF is it?
Latisse is the brand name for Bimatoprost 0.03% concentration that is marketed specifically for eyelash growth.
How do you pronounce it?
Luh-teess
What’s the point of it? I mean, what does it actually do?
Bimatoprost is an active ingredient in glaucoma medicine.
A noted side effect was that patients’ eyelashes grew and it has been marketed as Latisse specifically for lash growth for about 15 years.
How does it work?
All Bimatoprost 0.03% products (regardless of branding) will make your eyelashes grow if applied along the outer lashline consistently every day. As soon as you stop using it, its effects stop.
And why would someone want it?
It works, it’s lower maintenance than eyelash extensions and less appalling than eyelash implants.
It can also be used on eyebrows to encourage growth.
You should still proceed with extreme caution.
How much is it?
Latisse is ludicrously expensive - around £$100 for a 3ml bottle that you have to use within a month after opening or it expires
Generic Bimatoprost works exactly the same way as Latisse and costs about £15-20 in the UK. It used to be about £8. Inflation is a bitch.
Does it hurt?
It needs to be applied sparingly and accurately along the lashline with a steady hand to avoid stinging/tearing. A lot of people can develop sensitivity to it, making application uncomfortable.
Has anyone you would have heard of talked about getting it?
Victoria Beckham1, Christina Hendricks, Clare Danes, Brooke Shields2.
Have I had it?
I used to use it every day and can confirm that it does work.
Would I have it?
I stopped using it a couple of years ago. It got harder and harder to find at a reasonable price online from a reputable seller AND it started to turn my upper eyelid purple.
This shit is not for amateurs…
Should you have it?
Be aware:
There is a known risk of discolouration of the eyelid and iris, even if applied cautiously. This is explicitly stated on the packaging, but people don’t always read it 🤦🏼♀️3
You have to have a prescription for any Bimatoprost product in the UK/US. Anyone that’s selling it to you (including Latisse) without a prescription is doing so illegally - you can make your own risk assessment of that
A doctor is unlikely to prescribe generic Bimatoprost to you unless you have or are at risk of glaucoma4.
You can buy it online but the majority of sellers are not reputable. There is no site currently operating that I would recommend.
You are capable of making your own decisions, but - in my opinion - the risks/hassle to obtain/cost outweigh the benefits.
Anything else I think you should know?
It is possible to buy Bimatoprost in some countries without prescription (most commonly in Mexico). Be aware of the volume in the bottle - in some countries you’re only getting 10-15ml, instead of 30ml, making it seem cheaper than it really is.
ALWAYS CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE BEFORE PURCHASING FROM A PHARMACY.
If you’re tempted to buy another eyelash serum that doesn’t contain Bimatoprost, save your money. They don’t meaningfully improve lash growth: do not believe the breathless testimonials on social media5.
Reminder that any cosmetic work undertaken should be in accordance with The 6 rules of cosmetic work. Here they are, in case you missed them the first time…
My future BFF
The latter 2 were paid brand ambassadors
From personal experience 😂
Also from personal experience 😒
Another interesting and informative read! I shall stick with mascara then..