Photo Credit: Sephora.com

By Guest Bag Lady Diane Essig

PETER THOMAS ROTH “LASHES TO DIE FOR” – PTR’s full line of clinical skin care products are well-known to spa-goers and viewers of the shopping networks. In addition to a full array of facial and body treatment formulations, PTR joined the “new and improved lashes” bandwagon about a year ago with “Lashes To Die For,” one of the many Latisse-wannabe formulations on the market with prostaglandin-like ingredients that promises to lengthen, thicken and darken sparse lashes.  But does this product deliver like Latisse? 

Having been the lucky recipient of a large raffle basket of PTR products (generously provided by FaceLogic Spa in Mt. Kisco, NY) at the “2009 Best of Westchester” event in July 2009, I was thrilled at my good fortune, but pushed all products aside when I saw the LTDF. I was ecstatic. Knowing what Latisse does for lashes, I hoped for the same results from the PTR wand. Diligently, I applied a thin line every evening (I am a master of compliance) to both upper eyelids and waited patiently for new growth. It took about two months to notice any visible difference, but the wait was worthwhile. I started to detect longer lashes and longer-lasting lashes; less fallout. The final reward came from one of my closest friends who at dinner noticed and asked what mascara I was using.

FINAL VERDICT – GGI (GOTTA GET IT) – If you have short lashes or lash fallout, this product does deliver on length and wear. It seems to extend the growth-rate of natural lashes. However, my lashes are neither darker nor thicker than before, just longer. The real benefit of this product–at least this tube–is its longevity. I started using the LTDF in August and five months later, I am just starting to reach the end of the tube. That works out to about $25/month. Not a bad price point when comparing it to prescription-based Latisse.

*gifted*

TALIKA LIPOCILS EYELASH TREATMENT- I discovered Talika ages ago in Paris long before it ever made its way to US shores. Ditto for Longchamps! This is a clever niche brand with some innovative products. Lipocils is one of the best. I had used this before and liked it, but I confess that I never bought it again after I used it up – not because I didn’t like it, but mainly because my lashes were not top priority. You know how it goes – you get distracted by every new product launch that comes along and you tend to forget about something you actually really liked. But now that I am a diehard Latisse user, my lashes are more brittle and definitely need the extra conditioning power of this little treatment gel. Lipocils contains natural extracts that are meant to encourage eyelash growth, making lashes softer and more shiny and lush. It is a clear gel that should be applied like mascara daily from root to tip for best results. You can use colored mascara over it – or not – as you like. Lipocils does leave my lashes feeling stronger, more conditioned, and glossier and combined with the unprecedented length and fullness I get from my Latisse addiction – it’s a lash extravaganza.

FINAL VERDICT: RDW (RUN DON’T WALK) – If you are using Latisse, this is a perfect addition. Even if you aren’t using it, Lipocils does something extra for lashes that makes them behave better. I also think they don’t fall out as much. $40 for a generous tube.

So you’ve seen the magazine ads featuring Brooke Shields with lashes for days? Now’s your chance to see those feather dusters in person. Save the date, and RSVP – spots are limited for the evening of September 24th.

The LATISSE^®  wishes event will give consumers an opportunity to sign up for a complimentary LATISSE^® consultation with one of the participating physicians, including Bryan Forley, MD. If they are deemed to be appropriate candidates, they will then receive a free 30-day LATISSE^® trial directly from Allergan.

View the official invitation for details: LATISSE Wishes Event Invite

Photo Credit: www.latisse.com

OK, I’m Hooked!

If you have already red my earlier features on BITB, LATISSE DIARY PART ONE and LATISSE DIARY PART TWO, you will note that I was a skeptic at first. I am now totally into the Latisse thing and loving my long, lush lashes.

I have picked up a few tricks along the way that I want to share:

1. Get your own brush – I found a skinny eyeliner brush that limits waste and gets the drug exactly at the lash line where you want it. This cuts down on irritation and the chance of hyperpigmentation
2. Use your cap – Unscrew the cap, hold it pointy side down, and squeeze the few drops you need for each application into the cap. Dab your brush into the cap, which sort of acts as a basin. I got this great tip from another diehard Latisse addict and it’s brilliant!
3. Cut down on daily usage – Once you get out to 16 weeks, your lashes may get so long that they start to get unruly. Cut back to 3-4 times a week or every other day for maintenance long term.
4. Use it only where you want extra length – During the maintenance phase, you can tailor your Latisse treatment to application  selectively to the central or even just the lateral (meaning outer) lashes to avoid growing your inner lashes too long to manage.
5. Use a skin lightening cream to avoid hyperpigmentation – If you see any signs of skin darkening, use a skin lightening product such as LUMIXYL which is peptide based or a prescription hydroquinone based cream (such as Tri-Luma) to counteract any side effects of Latisse. Always use an SPF15-30 during the day to protect eyelid skin from UV rays.

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET SAVINGS TIPS

Prices are really coming down – and if you shop around, you can save a lot on your Latisse habit:

• Sign up on http://www.latisse.com for LATISSE LASH PERKS to get rebates via email
• Ask your doctor’s office if they participate in the LATISSE rebate program (vouchers for $10 and $20 may be available)
• If you sign up for a RiteAid Rx Savings Card, you will get an additional 20% off your Latisse prescription. http://www.riteaid.com