Don't even bat a lash at these impossible Mascara promises...

It is no secret that I am an unabashed, die-hard Latisse devotee, and everyday my super long lashes serve as a badge of my undying Latisse loyalty.

As sales from Latisse have proven, there is a lot of money to be made in the eye-lash category, and almost every make-up company is jumping on board with some sort of product that promises to grow and enhance lashes. 

However, while Latisse remains the ONLY FDA-approved lash stimulator, I thought it would be interesting to investigate the competition's claims, and see if they have any merit. 

Revlon's "Grow Luscious by Fabulash" is marketed as a product that acts as a mascara that also encourages lashes to grow better. While tester's report positive results, the formula doesn't include anything that actually stimulates extra growth. The fibers and polypeptides included will bulk up the appearance of the lashes, and won't dry them out as other mascaras might, but once the mascara is removed the eye-lash appearance will return back to normal.

Grade: D

Akin to a "lip plumping" formula, LipFusion developed a "FushionBeauty LashFushion XL Micro-Technology Instant Wand-Lash Voluminizer" mascara. (Whew, try saying that 3x fast!) Employing the same delivery system hair-care experts use to make volume-boosting shampoos, testers say that their lashes looked noticeably fuller and thicker, and didn't clump all day long. This is the same as Revlon's product though... the appearance of longer lashes is temporary, and disappears with the removal of the mascara. 

Grade: C

Lancome Defincils Precious Cells (creepy sounding name) is a mascara that contains special plant extracts which are designed to condition lashes so that they stay as healthy, and in place, for as long as possible.The theory behind this is that the healthier the lashes are, the less likely they are to break and fall out. Latisse is also supposed to lengthen the lifetime of each eyelash, but in addition Latisse is proven to actually encourage extra growth too. 

Grade: C+ 

In a discussion about mascara, I would be remiss to not mention cult favorite Dior DiorShow Mascara. Known for delivering amazing eye-lash length and fullness, this lash booster has no ingredients that are known to improve the quality of your lashes after it's removal. (Personally, I don't even like this mascara and don't understand the fuss. For the price, it doesn't last very long and gets extremely clumpy too soon after opening.)

Grade: F

In conclusion (I like to add that in there to make this really feel like a 9th grade thesis paper) there remains only one option when it comes to optimizing your eye-lash appearance with or without makeup: Latisse. 

P.S. The aspect I don't like to dwell on too much is that no one completely understands what that causes the eyelashes to react the way they do... but it has been thoroughly tested and is proven to be completely safe for use.  (Funny Latisse side story, but it's eyelash effects were discovered by accident-- people using an Allergan eye-drop medication for glaucoma noticed that their eyelashes were growing like crazy. Allergan did research to pin-point which ingredient was causing this reaction, and singled it out and *ta da* now we have Latisse. But, the point being, it's totally safe as people have been purposely putting this stuff into their eyes for over 20 years now.)

P.P.S. Two eye-lash products that I have yet to try, but find especially intriguing are an eye makeup remover that is supposed to also act as an eyelash conditioner, and a product that is being marketed as a "topcoat" for your lashes. DermaQuest Eye Makeup Remover is made of a conditioning formula that hydrates the delicate skin around the eye area, and the lashes themselves, while removing every last speck of makeup. (Genius!) Laura Geller Lash Varnish is supposed to be applied to lashes after mascara has been put on, in order to give your lashes extra shine. 

Both sound interesting and promising... keep your eyes open for future reviews. ;)