Wow, time really flies when you’re trying to grow your eyelashes. I’ve been using the prescription eyelash growth product Latisse for almost four years now, the longest I’ve ever committed to any single beauty product.

One of Latisse’s main active ingredients is prostaglandin, also used in glaucoma medicine.  An unexpected side effect turned out to be longer eyelashes.  The beauty industry jumped on this discovery and I, in turn, jumped on the Latisse bandwagon.  

I use the brush applicator to brush the product along my lashes, much as you would apply liquid eyeliner.  I avoid over-saturating the brush, as I don’t want to waste a drop.  

I started using it in early 2009 for a test on Anna’s and Kristina’s Beauty Call.  After four months of constant use, everyone was remarking how much thicker and longer my lashes were.  We even had them measured by an optometrist.  They’d grown about 1.5 millimetres.  I was no giraffe but it is substantial when it comes to eyelashes.

I’m still hooked.  I’m not sure if my lashes are as lush, but maybe I’ve gotten used to it.  I use Latisse about three days a week now, as recommended.  There have been stretches when I lapse, and sure enough, I begin to notice them thinning out.  I quickly get diligent again.  

At the start, I did notice one side-effect: the area where I applied the Latisse discoloured a bit, turning a light purple.  It wasn’t a bad, it just looked like I was wearing a bit of eyeliner.  This line has now disappeared.  My eyes have not changed colour, a risk that has been associated with Latisse, but is mainly a concern for blue-eyed belles. I’ve experienced no other eye irritation.  

A single bottle of this precious potion costs about $160 but it lasts for a couple of months.  But considering how much some friends pay for eyelash extensions, I’m getting away cheap. (Their lashes look longer and thicker and they don’t need to use mascara. I still do.)  Apparently, Allergan, the company that makes Latisse, is in clinical trials for a scalp hair growth product.  Stay tuned, as I plan to be first in line to smear it all over my head!