IMAGE: INSTAGRAM @ROSIEHW
THE LASH SERUM CONTROVERSY
A class of drugs called prostaglandin analogues were originally used by doctors to treat glaucoma patients, but a cosmetic side effect was noticed: patients started growing longer, denser and darker lashes. Companies capitalised on this accidental discovery and began using this class of drugs as the active ingredient in lash amplifying serums. Indeed, my former ultimate lash-boosting serum – Lilash – contains a form of this drug. But in May 2018, the Department of Health banned Lilash. Why? According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, prostaglandin analogue is a Schedule Four substance – meaning, legally, it can only be obtained via prescription. (It’s reportedly still available online and the company apparently ships worldwide.)
Latisse is the only legal lash product available on the Australian market that contains prostaglandin analogue, according to The Manse Clinic. Available by prescription only, Latisse is the primary treatment for hypotrichosis – a medical condition where eyelashes can’t grow. “Latisse not only helped fill in the gaps and fix damaged eyelashes, but my lashes are much thicker overall,” Dr. Catherine Begovic, American Board Certified Plastic surgeon, reported. For all its lash boosting accolades, there is a reason it is prescription only: prostaglandin analogues can induce inflammation, which can lead to irritation. It also increases melanin production, so there’s a possibility dark pigments may form in lighter eyes, and surrounding skin can become discoloured. So, consult a doctor first and obtain a legal prescription – don’t fall prey to cheap online deals.
The rave:
Beauty pageant veteran Patricia Ella Evangelista relied on a pantry staple to look fresh and stage-ready, even without a stitch of eye makeup. She placed green tea bags over her eyes, to tighten the area and reduce under-eye puffiness. And she noticed a bonus effect: her lashes became thicker and darker, and sparse areas began rapidly growing fine baby hairs. “I knew it wasn’t a placebo effect, because when I stopped applying green tea, I noticed my lashes reverted back to their thinning ways,” Patricia explains. So brew some green tea (wait for it to cool down, of course) then use a q-tip to swipe the tea along your lashline. You’re now well on your way to luscious lashes.