New Year…new cosmetics. 2009 will see the introduction of a new beauty product designed to give you noticeably fuller, thicker and much longer eyelashes. But will leave some with devastating side affects. Produced by Allergan, the same company that produces the cosmetic filler Botox, it comes as no surprise that this wonder drug has been bubbed “Botox for Eyelashes” by Marie Claire.

Eyelash Enhancers

This new wonder treatment called Latisse, was originally used to treat the condition Glaucoma, but is now being prescribed to US customers as a beauty treatment and can be anticipated to hit UK beauty outlets very shortly. With revenue estimations in excess of 300million per year, demand for this wonder beauty product is anticipated to rocket sky high.

But beware! Clinical trials of the drug showed some worrying and disturbing results. Users have reported using the product left them with the following side effects:

• Darkening of the skin pigment around the eyes
• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Inflammation of skin
• Permanent change in eye color (it gets darker)

But that’s not all. According to Allergan, any body part which is exposed to Latisse on a regular basis may show signs of hair growth. (Cousin IT from the Adams Family) Very worrying indeed!

With so many great cosmetics widely available today, surely fuller and thicker eyelashes are easy to achieve without putting your body at harm.

• Mascara– adds instant volume, lift and curl, with many brush designs and colour choices, to get the look you desire. Supershock Intense Mascara pumps up the lashes to the tee.

• False Lashes – add discreet individual lashes for a soft look or go for full on impact with a fuller set. Keep it low key or OTT, falsie’s may take a while to master but always deliver the look your going for.

Using mascara, false lashes and eyeliner is a safe, dependable and a sure fire ways to enhance your lashes.

Although this product may have beneficial results for those with genuine medical conditions affected by hair loss (chemotherapy patients and those with alopecia), is it actually really worth it all in the name of beauty? Or is this another example of cosmetic beauty gone astray?