Do lash growth products work?

But is it necessary?

We’re not so sure. Consumer Reports (which doesn’t accept advertising, and tests cars and other consumer products) featured lash growth products in a “Bad Beauty Deals” section.

“Lash-growth products are regulated as drugs by the FDA and must be subject to approval,” said John E. Bailey, chief scientist at the Personal Care Products Council, in the article. “One that is approved is Latisse (which we don’t recommend because of risks, including potential darkening of eye color and eyelids, not to mention the price — up to $120 per month).”

Likewise, “No cosmetic can make lashes grow longer, or it would be classified as a drug,” said Perry Romanowski, an independent cosmetic chemist, in the same article. “If a cosmetic makes your lashes grow, it probably contains a misbranded drug and could have unknown side effects.”

The magazine’s editors suggest sticking to mascara if you want to play it safe and save some cash.