I couldn’t take note of something my good friend throughout the brunch desk was saying. I used to be too distracted by the lengthy, enviable, Bambi-like eyelashes fluttering earlier than me. “I hope that is OK to ask, however your eyelashes… are they”—however earlier than I may end she whispered it like a secret, “Latisse.” Since its FDA approval in 2008, the Allergan product has been the gold normal for how one can get longer eyelashes. (I’ll always remember these Brook Shields commercials.)
“Latisse’s lively ingredient is bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog, which has been proven in scientific research to make eyelashes develop longer, thicker, and darker,” shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “It really works by lengthening the time the follicle stays within the development part.”
However even 15 years later, Latisse remains to be solely out there with a prescription. So for anybody in search of alternate options, we requested Dr. King how one can get longer eyelashes. In return, she answered with all the information, secrets and techniques, merchandise, serums, remedies, and pure treatments.
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.

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The Greatest Lash Progress Serums
Fingers down, the best choice is Latisse. However when you’re seeking to strive one thing over-the-counter, eyelash serums from manufacturers like GrandeLASH and Dr. Lara Devgan usually earn rave opinions.
One other Over-the-Counter Lash Progress Possibility
Although Dr. King usually warns in opposition to over-the-counter cosmetics marketed as growing the size and fullness of eyebrows and lashes (their efficacy has not been critically evaluated), if you’re utilizing a product, you should definitely apply them to a very cleansed lash line with an equally clear brush.
“Latisse gives disposable single-use applicator brushes as a result of that is the most secure manner to make sure minimal threat of bacterial or fungal contamination and an infection,” Dr. King notes.
The dermatologist does level out one other promising possibility, although the potential unwanted side effects might outweigh the good points.
Based mostly on a 2012 Journal of Dermatology research, “Rogaine seems to modestly improve eyebrow development and is corresponding to Latisse,” says Dr. King, who notes that a subsequent research concluded that Rogaine is usually a secure and efficient remedy for brows.
“Nonetheless, Rogaine usually causes irritation when utilized to the scalp, and the eyelid pores and skin space is usually extra delicate, so that is additionally potential when used for the eyelashes,” she provides. “Unwanted effects from making use of Rogaine to the eyebrow space embrace burning, dryness, itchiness, redness, and scaling.”
Go The All-Pure Route
Seeking to keep away from chemical compounds and the Sephora fuss altogether? A possible eyelash development help can seemingly be discovered someplace in your house. Vitamin-dense merchandise like aloe vera gels, olive oil, and inexperienced tea can reportedly assist develop robust, lengthy lashes, whereas moisturizing brokers like shea butter and coconut oil nourish strands and stop breakage.
However probably the most distinguished dwelling treatment for exciting eyelash development is castor oil. And whereas no research have been in a position to show castor oil causes hair development, it actually can’t harm.
“Castor oil shouldn’t be damaging to the hair and might present some conditioning that improves the flexibleness of the hair fiber. Castor oil has additionally been proven in a research to extend hair luster,” shares Dr. King.
Take into account a Lash Carry or Perm
The fashionable remedy has all of the permanence of eyelash extensions with out damaging adhesives. Plus, it cuts down on using probably damaging curling units. (Even Camille is a lash elevate common.)
Defend Your Eyelashes
It doesn’t matter how a lot consideration and care (or cash) you place into your lashes when you aren’t taking preventative measures to maintain them wholesome.
- Take away mascara earlier than mattress so lashes don’t break off onto your pillow.
- Talking of pillows, contemplate a silk pillowcase for much less lash-compromising friction.
- Restrict using false eyelashes or eyelash extensions since adhesives might weaken lashes and trigger breakage.
- Recurrently brush out your eyelashes to distribute pure oils.
- Eat a nutritious diet with loads of protein, iron, and biotin.
- Attempt a stable hair development complement (that extends to brows and eyelashes). Nutrifol is nutritionist-approved.
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