Prostaglandins — they’ve been doing the info-mercial circuit lately, getting in their 15 minutes of lash blasting fame, and RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum ($50) is the product du jour!
RapidLash makes some very bold claims…
Potent Polypeptides help amplify the length, thickness and volume! Powerful Polypeptides provide effective protection against breakage and naturally support longer, stronger more voluminous lashes.
Vital proteins and vitamins help replenish and fortify! Panthenol and rich minerals join forces to help replenish and rejuvenate lashes with essential proteins and vitamins that provide strength, shine and enhance lashes.
Moisturizing and rejuvenating agents help add shine and flexibility! Unique moisturizing agents provide extreme hydration to lashes by locking in moisture while improving elasticity and durability.
The product contains bioengineered octa/copper/oligo peptides, an “effective combination of amino acids,” according to CEO Robert Trow, to help “amplify volume by strengthening and rejuvenating” lashes and brows, and isopropyl cloprostenate, a fatty acid (LOL!) derivative, to help “promote cell regeneration.”
I’m thinking about giving it a try, but I’m seeing a couple red flags in the product marketing that make me wonder, like the frequent use of the phrase, “promotes the appearance of,” as in “promotes the appearance of natural lash and brow growth.”
There’s some wiggle room in that sentence. If they’d left out the word “appearance” and had just said “promotes natural lash and brow growth,” I’d feel a lot more confident in the claim.
Used to treat glaucoma, prostaglandin analogues are molecules manufactured to bind to a prostaglandin receptor. They have the side effect of making eyelashes grow, but they can have other less attractive side effects as well, like eye irritation, impaired vision and may even change eye color (eek!). Some lash growth products have even begun marketing themselves as prostaglandin-free.
Have you ever used a lash growth formula containing prostaglandin or prostaglandin analogues before? Some people swear by ’em. Did they work for you?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Jennifer says
November 21st, 2008 at 11:17 amHey Karen.. ive tried the Talika Lipocils before and that didnt seem to work for me. Maybe cuz it only costs $40. so ive decided to try a more expensive one “Lashes To Die For Night Time Eyelash Conditioning Treatment” by Peter Thomas Roth in sephora but my gosh it cost a whopping $125!! its a bit tooo much for me and im still debating. the Rapid lash is about more than 1/2 off that price and maybe ill consider. If u do decide to purchase it please let me kno how it works out!! thanks karen! like always ur blog is amazing! i heart reading it!!
Heidi says
November 21st, 2008 at 11:25 amHmm. I’m very skeptical of these so-called lash and brow enhancers. I think these companies jack up their prices to make their products appear more valuable than they actually are. As a contact lens wearer, I’m terrified of the idea of putting foreign substance on my eyelashes because they might mess with my vision. I like to put aquaphor on my brows and lashes before I go to bed, and I swear, they are thicker and a bit longer with regular use!
*Jen* says
November 21st, 2008 at 12:02 pmI’ve been tempted to try things like this both for my short stubby lashes and sparse brows but I’m too afraid of there being adverse side effects to take the plunge. Plus the fact that these types of products tend to be expensive acts as a hindrance as well lol
*Jen*´s last blog post..A Few Random MAC Little Darlings Swatches
p. potter says
November 21st, 2008 at 12:07 pmI’m always a little wary of these kinds of products–I feel like if they really worked everyone would know about it.
p. potter´s last blog post..Kitten Friday
Jessie says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:02 pmI’ve been using RapidLash for the past 4 weeks and I have noticed a difference in my lashes; albeit the changes are not DRASTIC. My lashes have grown a bit longer but what is more noticeable is they have gotten thicker and feel less brittle (this was a big concern of mine and i’m sure for all of us who can’t live a day without mascara). Overall, I would recommend it and for the price point, I think it’s worth the investment.
jojoba says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:11 pmi certainly don’t need thicker brows as i am constantly trimming them because they are too bushy! but i am interesting in anything to make my lashes fuller and longer, especially longer…. 🙂
jojoba´s last blog post..Review: Christian Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow Limited Edition 140 Twilight – Night Diamond Christmas Collection 2008
Tami says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:18 pmHey Karen,
While longer lashes sound tempting I think I might have to pass on this one.
Have a wonderful weekend and a fantabulous time at the wedding!
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:31 pmHi Jennifer,
Wow, these lash growth things seem to be very pricy. The one I saw at Nordies last week was $100!
If I do end up getting it (dunno, though, things that claim to grow hair kinda freak me out) I’ll for sure let you know.
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:31 pmHi Heidi,
I like Aquaphor, too! I use it on my hands and feet before I go to bed sometimes.
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:31 pmHi *Jen*,
I hear ya! Le sigh… at least there’s are always the option of cheapie false lashes at the drugstore. At least those have no side effects and only cost $3.
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:31 pmHi P. Potter,
Yeah, I know. But who knows. Maybe it could be the next big thing!
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:32 pmHi Jojoba,
I want mine fuller, too. For now mascara and false lashes will have to do the job.
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 1:32 pmHi Tami,
Thanks! I’m going to the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner in t-minus one hour.
You have a fantastic weekend, too! 🙂
Katee says
November 21st, 2008 at 2:36 pmI would love to know if it works! I have lame, wimpy little lashes and would spend any amount of cash to grow thicker, fuller lashes.
Katee´s last blog post..Essie Fall 2008 Ulta Exclusives
Glosslizard says
November 21st, 2008 at 5:40 pmPromise of lush lashes and full brows? Tempting. Possibility of eye color change? Not so much! I’m just not a gambler!
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 9:01 pmHi Katee,
I’m kinda tempted, but scared at the same time. I’ll let you know if I try it, though.
Karen says
November 21st, 2008 at 9:03 pmHi Glosslizard,
Right? I am not down with that.
Karen B says
November 22nd, 2008 at 12:27 amI’m a bit sceptical also about “the appearance of” thing. I’d just be scared to get my eyes infected or so.
Btw, I got the Adoring Carmine basic brush set for my birthday from a friend 🙂 I’m not familiar with the holiday sets though, are they any good?
Karen B´s last blog post..What colour today?
sarahPUFFY! says
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:13 amfrom one beauty blogger to another:
yu-be creme [in the jar] makes lashes longer and thicker.
yeah…its true. haven’t tried it myself, but I remember your post about the stuff. try it for yourself and see how well you fare.
sarahPUFFY!´s last blog post..Why hay there….
Monika says
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 amI don’t know RapidLash, but I heard a lot good stuff about Talika lash conditioner.
kaylin marie says
November 22nd, 2008 at 3:41 pmI would love to see more reviews on this sort of thing, I’d pay for it if it really did all it claims.
kaylin marie´s last blog post..Face of the day, Meow minerals
Karen says
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 pmHi Karen B.,
I don’t really like them. The brushes in the holiday sets feel really scratchy in comparison to the regular MAC brushes. Plus, I prefer the longer handles. Have you used your set yet? What do you think?
Jackie says
February 24th, 2009 at 10:56 pmI have tried two — first, Revita-Lash and then LiLash. I had good results with Revita-Lash but it sometimes burned my eyes. My eyelashes were thick but short. I decided to try LiLash after doing a lot of online research and reading customer reviews. Here is what I will tell all you skeptics — both of the products I tried WORKED. My lashes are now longer, more abundant and even darker. It’s so easy — just put it on like eyeliner before you go to bed. I started to see results in the first two weeks. Yes, this stuff is expensive but now I only use it every other day which works just fine and I don’t have to buy it as often. I always wanted longer, lusher lashes — now I have them. I wish this stuff was cheaper — but there is no doubt that it really does work! I would recommend LiLash over Revita-Lash — go ‘google’ and read the reviews like I did. I have never written a product review like this but after reading everyone’s comments and knowing how much I rely on what others post I decided to step up to plate with a definite “YES” to ward off the skeptics!
Amy says
February 26th, 2009 at 7:03 pmI have been using rapidlash on my eyelashes since the summer and it really works. I saw a notable difference with 4 weeks of use. I actually use it less often now because my eylashes were getting too long for my small, deep-set eyes. I like my brows as they are, so haven’t used it there.
Jennifer G says
June 21st, 2009 at 7:57 amI’ve been using Latisse (RX only) for lash growth for the past few months. I use it every other day and put a very small line at the base of my upper lashes. My eyelashes have grown significantly. They are much fuller and longer. I get comments all of the time. I have to be careful when I put mascara on because they are so thick. I don’t want the Tammy Faye look!
I’m going to try RapidLash next because it’s 1/2 the price. I would deifinitely recommend Latisse and will let you know if RapidLash continues the positive results!
Echo says
April 15th, 2010 at 3:52 pmIn case any of you are interested in any eyelash growth serums, I have been using this stuff called Lash-Em, it is not out yet, but it works wonders and I am sure it will be out in the next couple months! If you have any questions let me know [: I am not to sure on ingredients but i know it doesnt have that prostaglandin analog,if I find out any more info I will be sure to let youguys know [:
Violin says
May 21st, 2010 at 9:37 pmOk, i really dont write reviews about anything… But this, i just HAD to write it. After only 4 days, i saw the results. FOUR DAYS!!! It said four weeks but i dont know why mine grew fast in 4 days. I am continuing the use and it is Day 6 of using Rapidlash, i cant believe its the first time ive been using it. My mom and older sister uses it too! Thank you so much Rapid Lash!
Linda Jo says
June 9th, 2010 at 8:59 amI have been using RapidLash for 4 weeks and there is a noticeable difference. I have some really long lashes and they are curling more. I don’t think they all grow at the same rate. I have not experienced any irritation. I am happy with this product. I have taken before and after pictures and I can see the difference. It’s more noticeable with mascara.
April says
June 13th, 2010 at 10:28 amUsed it. Love it. 3 weeks and found amazing results, so much so that when mascara, I had to make sure the mascara was dry or I would get smudges of it up near my eyebrow. Haven’t tried it on eyebrows yet, but i’m going to.
lash_obsessed says
February 21st, 2011 at 2:08 pmIm with you Violin. I got this as a gift 3 days ago and last night was my 3rd night of using rapid lash and my eyelashes are already longer!!!!!!!! i thought it was just me but its happened to you too!!!!!! i never ever write review but i had to also because i still cant believe it! i keep looking in the mirror and they seem to have doubled in thickness and length and they curl up too!!! i use mine on the top and bottom lashes and also my eyebrows
Shelley says
March 18th, 2012 at 8:40 pmI’ve been using RevitaLash for going on 2yrs. My lashes are so long it’s kinda freaky. They actually hit my glasses and nearly reach my eye brows. They do look beautiful though. It’s expensive (around $80) but a tube lasts me maybe 9mos. I used it every night for the 1st 6mo and now only a few times a week. I asked my opthalmologist about it and she said Latisse was ok, but she didn’t know about this brand. She is very conservative esp since I take a medication for Lupus that can cause blindness and get exams every 6mo. I’m sure she would have told me to stop if she was worried.
Warning! IT DOES HAVE SIDE EFFECTS. The friend that told me about it (her lashes were amazing) had beautiful green eyes. They are now definitely hazel. My eyes are brown, so that wasn’t a deal breaker for me. I do have a line above my lashed, but I like it. It looks like I have a natural smudge of eyeliner.
I sure hope to God more serious side effects aren’t discovered. I would hate myself for doing something so dumb b/c of vanity.