The Price of "Beauty"
In our day, the word "beauty" has come to connote a certain type of physical appearance, presentation or set of characteristics defined largely by those who work in fashion, cosmetics or the entertainment industry.
Merriam-Webster defines beauty as "the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit." It lists loveliness as a synonym. It does not speak of cost-intensive regimens which negatively impact the very thing one is trying to beautify. The concept of beauty, by any definition, makes no provision for self-mutilation or regret.
One of the latest trends in so-called beauty is eyelash enhancement done either by adhering false lashes to one's natural lashes or by the application of various products to promote lash growth.
While I am no more nor less likely to observe such trends in everyday life than any other male, I do encounter them more frequently and know more about them than the average guy because I am an eye doctor.
If you are interested in eyelash extensions, you should know that they will diminish the health and appearance of your natural lashes at least temporarily (7-8 weeks or more). To be fair, I have seen some lash extensions that have temporarily produced the desired results and were well tolerated. However, I have also seen patients who have presented with thinned, truncated lashes after cessation of extensions or between applications, as well as some who have reacted poorly to the products used in applying and removing the extensions. The results have not been what anyone would consider beautiful. In addition to my clinical observations, many have taken to the internet to share their negative experiences, making particular mention of the poor condition of their natural lashes after wearing extensions. The old adage often used to moderate the disappointment of a bad haircut is applicable here - "It'll grow back."
For some who feel they must have longer, thicker, darker lashes, eye doctors can prescribe Latisse, the only medication that is FDA approved for the novel treatment of hypotrichosis. It produces longer, thicker, darker lashes by promoting lash growth. The results are impressive but are also temporary and there are potential side effects. These do not present significant risks to the patient and even those which are of a cosmetic nature are minimized or eliminated with patient education and proper use. I have had many patients use Latisse who have been pleased with the results though others, after their initial inquiry, have elected not to use Latisse because of the cost.
Many cosmetics companies offer other products that claim to promote lash growth. While these are likely more cost-effective than Latisse and possibly extensions, I could not speak with any certainty about their results nor their ingredients. Most products from reputable companies list the ingredients, though there is not a great deal of scientific information available about how they work. In my experience, I have not seen any complications from their use, though without more time and information, I cannot really comment on any particular product. Your best course with these products are online reviews and friends or consultants you trust.
What I can say with certainty is that the health of your eyelashes and eyebrows, as well as highly-specialized glands within the eyelids play an important role in maintaining eye health and good vision. Remember that certain chemicals and non-sterile products used around the eye may get into the eye and cause irritation, build-up on contact lenses or even cause eye infections. Furthermore, the application of certain products may affect the function of glands within the eyelids that produce part of the tear film which, when properly composed, keeps the surface of the eye healthy and functional. Problems with the tear film can cause acute or chronic redness and irritation (which does not look beautiful).
My advice is be happy with what you have and do what you can to keep yourself and your eyes healthy because nothing looks as good as that. Adequate hydration, nutrition and rest are always good ideas. When using cosmetics around the eyes, use good products and use them appropriately. Don't share eye makeup or applicators with others due to risk of infection. Avoid using heavy eyeliner along the bottom lid as doing so clogs the glands at the lid margin and alters and pollutes the tear film. Always remove your makeup before you go to bed to prevent clogged pores and sebaceous cysts and remember what my wife learned about makeup after being a teenage female in the 80s - less is more! Keep things simple, safe and healthy and you'll be looking great and seeing well.
In our day, the word "beauty" has come to connote a certain type of physical appearance, presentation or set of characteristics defined largely by those who work in fashion, cosmetics or the entertainment industry.
Merriam-Webster defines beauty as "the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit." It lists loveliness as a synonym. It does not speak of cost-intensive regimens which negatively impact the very thing one is trying to beautify. The concept of beauty, by any definition, makes no provision for self-mutilation or regret.
One of the latest trends in so-called beauty is eyelash enhancement done either by adhering false lashes to one's natural lashes or by the application of various products to promote lash growth.
While I am no more nor less likely to observe such trends in everyday life than any other male, I do encounter them more frequently and know more about them than the average guy because I am an eye doctor.
If you are interested in eyelash extensions, you should know that they will diminish the health and appearance of your natural lashes at least temporarily (7-8 weeks or more). To be fair, I have seen some lash extensions that have temporarily produced the desired results and were well tolerated. However, I have also seen patients who have presented with thinned, truncated lashes after cessation of extensions or between applications, as well as some who have reacted poorly to the products used in applying and removing the extensions. The results have not been what anyone would consider beautiful. In addition to my clinical observations, many have taken to the internet to share their negative experiences, making particular mention of the poor condition of their natural lashes after wearing extensions. The old adage often used to moderate the disappointment of a bad haircut is applicable here - "It'll grow back."
For some who feel they must have longer, thicker, darker lashes, eye doctors can prescribe Latisse, the only medication that is FDA approved for the novel treatment of hypotrichosis. It produces longer, thicker, darker lashes by promoting lash growth. The results are impressive but are also temporary and there are potential side effects. These do not present significant risks to the patient and even those which are of a cosmetic nature are minimized or eliminated with patient education and proper use. I have had many patients use Latisse who have been pleased with the results though others, after their initial inquiry, have elected not to use Latisse because of the cost.
Many cosmetics companies offer other products that claim to promote lash growth. While these are likely more cost-effective than Latisse and possibly extensions, I could not speak with any certainty about their results nor their ingredients. Most products from reputable companies list the ingredients, though there is not a great deal of scientific information available about how they work. In my experience, I have not seen any complications from their use, though without more time and information, I cannot really comment on any particular product. Your best course with these products are online reviews and friends or consultants you trust.
What I can say with certainty is that the health of your eyelashes and eyebrows, as well as highly-specialized glands within the eyelids play an important role in maintaining eye health and good vision. Remember that certain chemicals and non-sterile products used around the eye may get into the eye and cause irritation, build-up on contact lenses or even cause eye infections. Furthermore, the application of certain products may affect the function of glands within the eyelids that produce part of the tear film which, when properly composed, keeps the surface of the eye healthy and functional. Problems with the tear film can cause acute or chronic redness and irritation (which does not look beautiful).
My advice is be happy with what you have and do what you can to keep yourself and your eyes healthy because nothing looks as good as that. Adequate hydration, nutrition and rest are always good ideas. When using cosmetics around the eyes, use good products and use them appropriately. Don't share eye makeup or applicators with others due to risk of infection. Avoid using heavy eyeliner along the bottom lid as doing so clogs the glands at the lid margin and alters and pollutes the tear film. Always remove your makeup before you go to bed to prevent clogged pores and sebaceous cysts and remember what my wife learned about makeup after being a teenage female in the 80s - less is more! Keep things simple, safe and healthy and you'll be looking great and seeing well.