Batting a Thousand– Lashes!! Lash Treatments to the Test Part 3!

As we head into part 3 of this review, I bet you are wondering if I really tried all these products. The answer is yes, I did. The next question is going to be why the reviews all sound so similar. Here’s the reasons why:
1) Several of the products have very similar ingredients and they do make lashes grow. Some very specifically to me, made my lashes grow longer, but not thicker. Some made them longer but not darker (and I have very blonde eyelash tips).
2) The difference for some of these products is that they all work so but it’s how much is these products cost and how long do they last. There is a great difference in price range- and the length of time you have from each different product. Plus some worked better on my eyebrows than they did on my lashes and vice versa. Go figure that out!
3) There are always some issues about eye sensitivity and I have very sensitive eyes. I know others that had used the same product with no issues. It’s a case of “your mileage may vary”.
So here’s part 3 and there will be a part 4 too because I got 2 more products to review
neulash

Here’s what’s on their website– and it’s a lot more than others in some ways but then again, it’s a tad vague.
neuLash is ophthalmologist safety-tested … brittle, weak, thin, or short eyelashes, contact lens wearers, those who have eyelash extensions, or those who have undergone radiation treatment. neuLash can also be used to improve the appearance of sparse, thin eyebrows. Clinical studies have found neuLash to be safe and gentle to eyes, yet extremely powerful in its stimulating and rejuvenating properties
Interesting information:
Safety/regulatory status in the US and the European Union – APPROVED ( If Germany has passed it, it’s ok– because they are tougher than any other country except for Japan. However it doesn’t say FDA approved– because it hasn’t been FDA approved which means the safety regulations comment about the US is not accurate.)
Consumer Skin Sensitization Patch Study – PASSED (This means that they patch-tested this on someone’s arm or back to see if it produces topical reactions.)
Ophthalmologist Eye Irritation Potential Study – PASSED (They don’t offer the information on the eye irritation study or tell you what opthamologists participated)
All ingredients have been successfully marketed to consumers in the US and/or Internationally.
Cruelty – Free Paraben – Free (this is a key factor and that’s very good because parabens are carcinogens. You don’t want those in your eyes which means they get absorbed rapidly into the body) . However it does have Butylene Glycol as the fourth ingredient and that’s one I would rather *not* have in the mix or at least at the end of the list.
This product retails for $150 and lasts only 3 months whereas the other products (Revitalash, Marini and others I have mentioned). That makes this the most expensive of the OTC products.
Also they do mention in the FAQ’s that there might be some tingling. It does dissipate and it is akin to stinging or for those very sensitive a burning sensation. They also mention a potential for slight darkening of the skin at the lash line. Now that’s not nearly so bad as it sounds because you are applying shadow and liner but you don’t want red or darker skin around the eyes (particularly if you use this on lower lashes).
I know from anecdotal evidence that this product works great on some and they get phenomenal lashes. Maybe I didn’t try it long enough, but it gave me longer lashes, but I didn’t see any thicker or darker lashes. Typically this takes about 2-3 months to make all this happen– and that’s about one tube.

BeautyLash MD

The BeautyLash MD product is quite similar to the previous and other products.
What isn’t so similar is that there is no ingredient list on the site or the product box. To find out what’s in it, you have to dig into the little enclosed insert and read through it to find the list isn’t very long. There are some chemical, synthesized ingredients added to it. There are enough warnings and they don’t claim to be all natural. there are no parabens or butylene glycol or dimethicones in it either. At least this one is a bit safer than the others.
Will it make your lashes grow? Yes, but it will require proper application that’s consistent and probablly 2 tubes.
The retail is just under $100.00 and it’s only got 4.5 ml tubes which isn’t very much product compared to the $150.00 products that have 6 – 8 ml. but then again, the cost per ml breaks down to roughly the same. They do have a special on buying two for one.
Renew Eyelash Revitalizer

Renew™ Eyelash Revitalizer is a product that i formulated to help restore and rebuild thinning and brittle lashes. It is a highly concentrated and effective serum that helps gently encourage new and stronger growth.
Benefits:
100% Natural Ingredients– Not so! There is Butylene Glycol, dimethicone, and parabens in this product. It’s not 100% natural
Professional formula
No rash or burn to the skin– but they do state you might have some darkening along the lash line.
Strengthens growth
Hypoallergenic, Non-comedogenic, For men and women
Retail price is $80.00 for 7 ml tube which should last you 3-4 months– maybe more. It depends on how often you use it.
My take on this one: don’t use it because of the parabens and dimethicone being introduced into your body via your eyes. That’s one sure way to have eye problems.
Note that I am not saying your lashes won’t grow. I am just saying I have a problem with the claim of 100% natural when it’s not and there are questionable ingredients.
PS.. the chamomillia is chamomile which is a cousin of ragweed. if you are allergic to ragweed, you won’t want to use this product.
Actifirm Actilash Eyelash Conditioner

Actifirm’s Actilash is another competitor that’s quite similar to the other products. The product does make your lashes grow. It can irritate eyes if you use too much or get it into your eye. You can use this one as a mascara base to prevent flaking.
The ingredient list below is pretty darn good except for the 2 ingredients I highlighted but the rest is pretty darn good.
Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Laureth-4, Butylene Glycol, Mucor Miehei Extract, Lentinus Edodes (Shiitake) Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) Extract, Coriolus Versicolor (Coriolus) Extract, Panthenol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium Phosphate, Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
BARGAIN ALERT: This product is on sale through the end of September 2009 for a less than $30.00 for a 1.7 ml tube. Granted that’s not a lot of product (about 1 month’s worth) but you can buy 3-6 months product and it will be clean, pristine and fresh product within thirty days and it won’t have deteriorated.
If you are going to buy one of these, this is one I would buy!
Stevie Wilson