If you have sparse, short lashes and have tried all the mascaras, falsies and potions on the market to help plump up your puny lashes, then you might be tempted to try Latisse, a medication only available by prescription. Originally developed for glaucoma sufferers, a side effect of the medication that included long, lush lashes was noticed. So the FDA approved the medication for application to the lash line, and a new beauty product was born. But is Latisse for you? Is it safe? First, assess your desire for lashes vs. the steep cost. Insurance doesn’t cover Latisse, and it costs $120 or more for a month’s supply. If you’re not deterred by the cost, then consider the side effects. Discoloration of the iris – the colored part of your eye – and the eyelid where it is applied are common side effects. In lighter-eyed people, the irises may turn brown, and the eyelid may turn dark as well; users report a dark purple hue on the skin.

Some users have irritated eyes, and if this happens, use of the product should be discontinued. But for those who have tried the product and not suffered adverse reactions, Latisse decidedly works – but only for as long as users keep using it. Older women who suffer hair loss as they age have looked to it to fill in the sparseness and brittleness lashes may experience, and it does seem to work. Users on TotalBeauty.com gave it high marks for its effectiveness – only marking it down due to the high price. Another minor complaint included the brushes the tiny bottle accompanies. The manufacturer recommends using the tiny brushes, but many users switched to a small eyeliner brush when they experienced scratchiness and the brushes absorbing more product than necessary. Discuss using Latisse with your doctor if you’re interested in trying it.