Eyeing the Perfect Lashes
In our series, "Search for the Perfect," we finally took a look at lashes.
How can you actually lengthen them -- or fake the longer lash look?
Actress Brooke Shields is known for talking about how much her lashes have grown in commercials for Latisse, the prescription-only serum that's taking the eyelash world by storm.
But does Latisse really work?
Dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf discussed what the real deal is about this supposed super-serum on "The Early Show."
Latisse, Graf said, is a prescription drug that belongs to a class of drugs used to treat glaucoma. She explained that observations were made that patients treated with the drug as eye drops had longer lashes.
"Latisse belongs to this class of drugs, except it is not used as an eyedrop," Graf said. "It is applied to the eyelash line. It affects the eyelash growth cycle and prolongs the active growth phase therefore increasing the length, thickness, density of eyelashes, and can make them darker."
So how does it work?
Graf said with Latisse, in order to get maximal growth, you need to use it every night for four months.
"This will allow for a gradual growth over time," she said. "After the four month period you can continue to use the Latisse to maintain the results."
Graf said many patients see a visible change in their lashes after eight weeks. But patients, Graf said, feel a difference as early as a week or two into the treatments by the way they can wear mascara.
As for side effects, Graf said there is "very low potential" for them. She said the most common side effect is darkening of the iris, primarily with people that have hazel eyes.
"These have been reported with the glaucoma eye drops, and not so much with the Latisse," Graf said, "so the likelihood is extremely low. If it happens, it can cause permanent darkening. More commonly it can cause darkening of the eyelid skin which is reversible once you stop using it."
What happens when you stop taking Latisse?
Graf said your eyelashes are going to slowly return to the way they were before you started using the drug.
"Success is relative, but the longer your eyelashes (were) originally, the more dramatic the results," she said. "If someone has very sparse eyelashes, they will be much happier with their results, but they won't be the same as someone as started off with fuller lashes."
Latisse costs about $100 a month.
Latisse is expensive, so for people who aren't ready to make that commitment, Pamela Edwards Christiani, beauty editor of Essence magazine, shared the latest on how to fake fabulous lashes.
Christiani shared three products on the broadcast. The first was Jan Marini Lash.
"There is a lot of science behind this," she said. "(Marini)'s known for result-oriented products. This formulation mimics the active ingredient in Latisse."
Another product she highlighted was the Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster. The applicator vibrates and the vibration provides more even coating of the product itself.
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Also, Christiani shared the L'Oreal Lash-Boosting Serum, which she said is the most affordable and available at drugstores.
However, if you want immediate lash gratification, Christiani suggested lash extensions.
These individual lashes are applied individually to your own lashes -- not the skin.
"They're wonderful, but you still have to be careful because it is a new industry, and if not applied properly, there is the potential for lash loss, infection and irritation," she said.
She added women should take into consideration the color, the length and the curl pattern of their lash extensions so they have lashes that match.
Lash extensions take about two hours of application and fall out naturally after about a month, Christiani said.
"It's great for a vacation," she said. "I got them for my wedding."
Lash extensions cost around $300 for the first application, Christiani said. Reapplication costs around $75 a month after that.
However, if you don't want to spend a lot of money, but you still want the glamour, Christiani suggested Shu Uemura and Mac mascara.
Products seen on "The Early Show":
1. MAC Faux Lashes, MacCosmetics.com, $13 and up
2. MoldelCo Heated Lash Curler, $30, Modelco.com.au
3. Shu Uemura Lashes, from $18, Shu Uemura-usa.com
4. Shu Uemura Lash Glue, $8.50, Shu Uemura-usa.com
5. Shu Uemura Lash Applicator, $55, Shu Uemura-usa.com
6. Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster, $39, Jan Marini.com
9. Talika Beauty of Eyes, $48, Talika.com
10. Xtreme lashes, $300 initial, full $75 refills, go to Xtreme Lashes.com or 877-BIG-LASH.