WHAT IS LATISSE?
Latisse is a liquid solution that you apply to the base of your upper eyelids. Used daily, it can increase the length of your eyelashes. Latisse can also make your eyelashes thicker, giving them greater prominence, as well as causing them to take on a darker color.
The liquid solution contains an active ingredient called bimatoprost. Bimatoprost was approved by the FDA for a different purpose in 2001, then approved specifically for use as an eyelash growth medication in 2008.
Unlike many other eyelash growth products, Latisse is scientifically proven to help you grow longer, thicker, and more prominent eyelashes. It’s backed up by studies showing improvements, including in people with conditions that affect eyelash growth, like chemotherapy-induced madarosis.
Bimatoprost was originally created to treat other conditions related to the eyes, such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
DOES LATISSE ACTUALLY WORK?
Yes. According to data from the FDA, 79 percent of people who use Latisse experience at least one grade increase in Global Eyelash Assessment (GEA) score after using the medication for 20 weeks or longer.
By week 16, people who use Latisse daily experience a 25 percent increase in the length of their eyelashes. The increase in thickness is even more pronounced — by week 16, the mean eyelash thickness of people who use Latisse increases by 106 percent.
Latisse also causes a slight increase in the darkness of the eyelashes, although this isn’t quite as intense as its effect on eyelash length and thickness.
HOW LONG DOES LATISSE TAKE TO WORK?
Like many other medications, the results of Latisse aren’t instant. Normally, you’ll start to notice some improvements in the length, thickness, and darkness of your eyelashes after using Latisse daily for two months.
If you use Latisse every other day or occasionally forget to use it, it may take slightly longer for the medication to start working. It typically takes three to four months before you’ll see the final results of Latisse.
HOW LONG DOES LATISSE LAST?
Latisse works as long as you continue using it, meaning you can keep applying it daily after four to five months have passed in order to maintain your results. Your eyelashes will still go through their normal growth cycle, but they’ll maintain any extra length, thickness, and color.
Many people who use Latisse switch to using it every other day after reaching their desired lash length and thickness.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY LATISSE?
Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse, recommends applying the medication at night, shortly before bed. If you apply Latisse one hour before you plan to go to sleep, the liquid solution will have more than enough time to dry and soak into your skin.
CAN YOU USE MASCARA WITH LATISSE?
Yes. It’s okay to use mascara or other makeup at the same time as you use Latisse. Just make sure you apply Latisse first, then provide at least 15 minutes for it to dry and be fully absorbed by your skin before you apply any other makeup.
If you apply Latisse at night, make sure that you’ve removed all of your makeup and thoroughly cleaned your face before applying the Latisse solution to your eyelids.
A very small percentage of people who use Latisse notice increased pigmentation of the eyes, including a change in eye color. This side effect is rare and typically occurs when bimatoprost gets into the eye, either due to direct application or accidentally while applying Latisse.
CAN YOU USE LATISSE WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?
You should not use Latisse while you’re pregnant or nursing. While Latisse isn’t associated with any major birth defects, it hasn’t been studied in pregnant women and is not considered safe for use if you’re pregnant or nursing.
