By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 25th March 2010
Tester: Rachel Maher
Product: LASHFOOD Natural Eye Lash Conditioner, £79, www.lashfood.co.uk
Having never been blessed with Cheryl Cole-like lashes I relished the opportunity to test LASHFOOD Natural Eye Lash Conditioner which claimed to strengthen, condition and thicken lashes using just innovative herbal extracts.
To do proper testing I used the product on just one eye, applying close to the eyelash as instructed. The care instructions that came with it only recommended using it at night but I used morning and night to get quicker results.
The immediate effect was cold and prickly but that wore off in seconds. What was great was that I was still able to apply make-up after application.
After a couple of weeks of using the product I was at the pub with some girlfriends talking about false eyelashes and mentioned I was testing an eyelash conditioner and only half of them guessed the correct eye - I know that's not very scientific but surely your girlfriends are the ultimate test.
I plan to give it a go on both eyes now to see if I can better results over time.
Tester: Ruth Kerrison
Product: Jan Marini Lash, £99, www.jmsreurope.com
As a confirmed mascara addict, the idea of a product to make my eyelashes longer really appealed to me. Also, I'm getting married this summer and don't want to look caked in make-up in my wedding photos, so I'm keen to try anything to enhance my natural lashes.
I used the product as per the instructions: applying it like a liquid liner to my upper lash line once a day before bed. At first I wasn't convinced it was doing anything, but then after about three weeks I was running late for work and had to leave the house without my make-up.
On the train on the way in to the office I caught sight of my profile reflected in the window, and my eyelashes looked really long - I had to rub my eyes to check I really wasn't wearing mascara!
After six weeks I can definitely see a difference, and people have even commented. One friend asked if I was wearing false eyelashes. I don't think I'm quite ready to step away from the mascara just yet, but I'm certainly using a bit less!
Tester: Katharine Griffiths
Product: Revitalash, £95, www.skinbrands.co.uk
I had heard about Revitalash before being asked to test it because it has got such a dedicated celebrity following, but I was skeptical that an over-the-counter product could actually grow your eyelashes.
As instructed, I applied a thin line of the product to the base of my eyelashes each evening and sat back to await the results. It said to expect them after six to eight weeks so I was ready for the long haul but what amazed me was how quickly I saw a difference. Within two weeks I could definitely see that my eyelashes had thickened up - when I applied mascara they looked amazing.
Even without make-up the effect is noticeable. I go to the gym early in the morning and recently I haven't been looking so piggy eyed as I sweat over the weights.
My husband hasn't noticed any difference but then he fails to notice when I have my hair done so I'm not greatly surprised.
I will definitely continue to use Revitalash - I should be moving into the maintenance phase where I apply just three times a week but I'm not sure if I can!
The Panel
Katharine Griffiths, editor of Cosmetic
Surgery & Aesthetics Guide, the UK's only national magazine
dedicated to the cosmetic surgery and aesthetics industry
Rachel
Maher, editor of www.mumknowsbest.com, a parenting website created and
designed with mums in mind
Ruth Kerrison, editor of the Image magazines;
regional magazines that bring you the best of aesthetics on your
doorstep
