Menopause & Hair Loss: Trying out Revitalash, Latisse and other Serums.
I have unexceptional eyelashes and eyebrows – certainly not long luscious lashes. Actually, my hubby has better eyelashes and eyebrows than me!! Nor do I have thick Cara Delevingne eyebrows – which look amazing. In my teens, I once made the mistake of over-plucking my eyebrows – skinny brows being the look back then. “Never to do it again”, all the character left my face. Thankfully, my eyebrows did grow back, again. They certainly wouldn’t now – to be “lost, forever”. Since then, I’ve only ever plucked a few stragglers from underneath.
In midlife, hormonal reasons, along with lots of other factors (see, below), can cause our hair to thin – especially our eyebrows and eyelashes. Oh, the joys! Thinning eyebrows happened gradually for me. It started around the fifty-year-old mark. This was the time I was hitting menopause. I was also told around that time that I had an underactive thyroid – which is another reason for thinning hair and other things, of course. Once I started to take levothyroxine as well as having regular blood tests and regulating the dosage to balance my thyroid, things seemed to settle down. And, thankfully, I started to feel like my old self again. But my hair loss is still more than when I turned fifty.
This hair loss sparked a research mission for me. Surely, there was something on the market to help me. Something both effective and safe which I could try, in order to improve my eyebrows and lashes. I read lots of beauty articles and watched many YouTube videos, resulting in me trying a few eyelash/eyebrow growth serums. Back then, I also tried eyelash extensions which took an eternity to apply. They did look amazing, however. And, I remember receiving a lot of remarks.
Not a lot of people were having this procedure done, at that time, and I kept them for around a year. Unfortunately, they started to drop out two weeks after application. So, every four to six weeks, I was back at the beauty salon having infills applied which I found tedious and expensive. Furthermore, my own eyelashes took a real battering and they did take a while to recover once I stopped having eyelash extensions done.
“Long4Lashes” This was my first serum. I bought it on Amazon way back in 2016. I admit to being a bit of a “sad act” when it comes to keeping online receipts. I keep all of them so I can refer to dates and products.
This serum was very inexpensive and easy to apply. I would apply it every evening. After a few weeks, I remember getting sore eyes, so I had to stop using it. It was the outer rim of my eyes that was sore. This wasn’t a good look. I appeared tired, all of the time. The ingredients didn’t agree with me at all. This has great reviews on Amazon so works very well for some, just not for me. I’ve since learnt that the ingredients in some serums don’t agree with everyone. So, it’s best to do your homework – though usually, you don’t really know if it’s effective unless you try it. I didn’t give it long enough to see any worthwhile results, because of the soreness.
Latisse
The second eyelash serum I tried was Latisse. We were on holiday in Mexico and I was able to buy some in the resort’s pharmacy (2017). I had read and heard so many glowing tales about this serum so was quite interested in trying it. It is unavailable to buy in the UK.
When doing my research, I stumbled upon some information detailing scary side effects which said it darkened the eyelids and changed eye colour. The Food & Drug Administration agency (FDA) say Latisse is safe and effective, so I decided to go ahead and give it a go.
The product contained 3 ml of solution, along with 70 disposable applicator brushes. To begin with, I found the solution fiddly to apply as it came in a small bottle. So, the best way to use it was to add a few drops to the lid and dip the brush in. There was always a little wastage which wasn’t great as this is a pricey product. Again, after using the serum for several weeks, it didn’t agree with me. I developed sore eyes, again. I persevered, hoping the soreness would go. But, by this time, I had been using the solution for around two months – it was then I really saw a difference – my eyelashes really took off!
Unfortunately, I had to stop using it as the soreness was still there. My eyelashes looked longer than they ever had, so it did work. But, I wasn’t prepared to live with the red-eyed look. Plus, around this time, there were new products coming onto the market and I hoped they would be easier for me to get used to and less expensive than Latisse.
Some say RevitaLash is the holy grail of lash growth serums. It often tops the list of “best eyelash serums” on the market and has won a whole host of beauty
awards. Megan Markle has credited Revitalash for her long lashes.
One thing about any eyelash serum is it takes around two to three months of using constantly to see any results. So, this can be a long wait that involves a lot of patience.
Revitalash is one of the pricier options. The biggest two reasons for me to use this serum is, firstly, I don’t have any soreness while using it and, secondly, it works better than I could have expected. Hence, I have been using it since 2017.
Only a few weeks ago, my hairdresser asked me if I’d had eyelash extensions applied. My eyelashes look especially lengthy when I wear mascara. To me, Revitalash is worth every penny. I am just coming to the end of my 2ml tube which I started in January. I apply it every evening before bed – applying it the same as you would a liquid liner. I don’t see noticeable results until around the two-month mark. Along with using this every evening on my lashes, I use Babe Lash on my eyebrows.
Babe Lash
As I continue to do my research into which serums work well, Babe Lash keeps getting mentioned as working well on eyelashes, and especially eyebrows. Since January, I have been using Revitalash on my eyelashes and Babe Lash on my eyebrows. I am so pleased with the results so I will carry on using them both.
This post may contain some affiliate links, if you click through to the product there is no cost to you, the small commission I may earn helps me with the costs of running my blog.
Thank you for reading my post. All the products have been purchased by me and this is my honest opinion. I hope you have enjoyed it and found it helpful. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.
I’m so glad you wrote this review. I just got lash extensions for the first time – love them, but they don’t last long enough, and they are pretty expensive. I also tried a lash serum once, but it left me with sore eyes. I’ll have to give Revitalash and Babe Lash a try.
Lisa http://midlifeinbloom.com/
My friend has just got lash extensions and they look amazing! I loved mine when I had them done., now, I’m not sure if my lashes would recover, so , I’ll have to stick with the Revitalash – my new tube has just arrived today, hoorah!
Luckely there are a lot of products for these problems. I did micro needling on my eyebrows as they vanished! I’m so happy with that. I had a active thyroid in my teens, now it’s not working anymore, but everything is under control. But that takes a long time doesn’t it.
There’s a lot of eyelash serums to choose from now which are great, the only thing is it takes around three months to see if they work. I’ve tried a few where following a few weeks my lashes and brows start to drop out, then I know they’re a dud. I had no knowledge regarding my under active thyroid condition – so when I was told I had this it explained why I’d been feeling so poorly. I was pleased that there was an explanation for feeling awful – and that I could take something to make me feel better. Like you say the balance did take a little while and I have regular blood tests to check all is okay. You say you have had this condition for a while, hope all is good with you now.
Great post Alison. I’ve used Revitalash and it definitely made my eyelashes longer but didn’t do anything about their thickness so they still looked a bit gappy. I’ve often been tempted by lash extensions but after acrylic nails ruined my own nails forever, I’m reluctant to give them a try. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday.
Thank you Gail. I did have a slight improvement thickness wise but it is the length of my eyelashes where the major difference is. It was a long time ago when I had my lash extensions, and it did take my lashes a while to recover. Goodness knows how they would recover now. A friend of mine has just had them done and they look amazing, I’ll be interested to see how it goes. xx
Such an interesting post- love how you reviewed all the products I was already so curious about! I’m going to try Revitalash for sure! Please come by my site and link up your posts (so interesting!)- I do a weekly Fabulous Friday’s linkup party over at my site: http://www.lucybertoldi.com
Have a great weekend:)
That’s great! Revitalash is indeed the only serum which didn’t make my eyes sore and was effective. I’ve made a note of your link-up, many thanks to you and I’ll see you there! xx
This is such a great topic for a post! Menopause is no joke! I have so many crazy symptoms and I am still just in this dreadful pre-menopause stage. So far my lashes, the hair on my head, and my facial hair seem completely in tact, but I recently noticed my very thick eyebrows are starting to thin (I am 46). I also notice that my leg hair doesn’t grow with the same force as it once did (that I welcome). Posts like this are super inspiring because a community of women is so important so we can support each through this time of our lives. Thanks for linking up!
Thank you so much for your comment Shelbee. Menopause is no joke, at least we are now talking about it. I can’t remember ever having a conversation with my mum regarding this subject. You are young to start with symptoms but this is quite common and I agree with you so much that it’s great the help and support that is available nowadays, though there’s still a way to go. xx
I was gifted a lash serum called Epilash a couple of years ago and it was amazing – I had people asking me if I’d had lash extensions. Sadly I can’t find it anymore. I bought some from Wildmint, which hasn’t had the results I was hoping for so far. I’ve been using it for over a month, and as I bought three tubes I’ll keep using it, but I’m looking to try a different one after they run out. Thanks for linking up!
I’ve heard so much about RevitalashAlison. I’ve never used it because I have sensitive eyes. I have stubbles instead of flutters! I am however just about to start a trial of a lash serum. I will keep you posted!
Thanks so much for this review! Just this week I considered making an appointment for lash extensions but it’s so spendy. Would love to try something like this as an alternative. AND why did my lashes disappear in my mid-forites 🙁 Have a great week! ~Sherry https://justlivejoy.com/choosing-the-perfect-bag-and-tote-for-travel/
Lovely outfit< love the striped button down. I have long lashes, but I have always had bushy eyebrows, I used to compare mine to Brooke Shields back in the day! I get threading down now, so it makes them so nice! I think your eyelashes look great. Thanks for the info on these products, I love to hear what people use.
thanks for linking!
enjoy your week!
jess xx http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Joelle
/
Menopause can be hard on the eyebrows. My kids have been teasing me about the smudges where my well-defined eyebrows once arched majestically. After 2 bottle of Eyebrow Growth Dermalmd, I had to reduce applications because my eyebrows had gotten so dark and full that I started hearing “Groucho” remarks. This stuff really worked for me.
I’ll have to check this brand. I have been using NYX1 on both my lashes and brows for a few months, with some improvements, not dramatic but enough to go on with it.
“Long4Lashes” This was my first serum. I bought it on Amazon way back in 2016. I admit to being a bit of a “sad act” when it comes to keeping online receipts. I keep all of them so I can refer to dates and products.
Latisse
I’m so glad you wrote this review. I just got lash extensions for the first time – love them, but they don’t last long enough, and they are pretty expensive. I also tried a lash serum once, but it left me with sore eyes. I’ll have to give Revitalash and Babe Lash a try.
Lisa
http://midlifeinbloom.com/
Author
My friend has just got lash extensions and they look amazing! I loved mine when I had them done., now, I’m not sure if my lashes would recover, so , I’ll have to stick with the Revitalash – my new tube has just arrived today, hoorah!
Luckely there are a lot of products for these problems. I did micro needling on my eyebrows as they vanished! I’m so happy with that. I had a active thyroid in my teens, now it’s not working anymore, but everything is under control. But that takes a long time doesn’t it.
Author
There’s a lot of eyelash serums to choose from now which are great, the only thing is it takes around three months to see if they work. I’ve tried a few where following a few weeks my lashes and brows start to drop out, then I know they’re a dud. I had no knowledge regarding my under active thyroid condition – so when I was told I had this it explained why I’d been feeling so poorly. I was pleased that there was an explanation for feeling awful – and that I could take something to make me feel better. Like you say the balance did take a little while and I have regular blood tests to check all is okay. You say you have had this condition for a while, hope all is good with you now.
I have always noticed how my boys have beautiful long lashes. I really don’t pay much attention to mine, lol.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
My boy’s have great eyelashes too! Not that they’re bothered in the least. xx
Great post Alison. I’ve used Revitalash and it definitely made my eyelashes longer but didn’t do anything about their thickness so they still looked a bit gappy. I’ve often been tempted by lash extensions but after acrylic nails ruined my own nails forever, I’m reluctant to give them a try. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday.
Author
Thank you Gail. I did have a slight improvement thickness wise but it is the length of my eyelashes where the major difference is. It was a long time ago when I had my lash extensions, and it did take my lashes a while to recover. Goodness knows how they would recover now. A friend of mine has just had them done and they look amazing, I’ll be interested to see how it goes. xx
Such an interesting post- love how you reviewed all the products I was already so curious about! I’m going to try Revitalash for sure! Please come by my site and link up your posts (so interesting!)- I do a weekly Fabulous Friday’s linkup party over at my site: http://www.lucybertoldi.com
Have a great weekend:)
Author
That’s great! Revitalash is indeed the only serum which didn’t make my eyes sore and was effective. I’ve made a note of your link-up, many thanks to you and I’ll see you there! xx
This is such a great topic for a post! Menopause is no joke! I have so many crazy symptoms and I am still just in this dreadful pre-menopause stage. So far my lashes, the hair on my head, and my facial hair seem completely in tact, but I recently noticed my very thick eyebrows are starting to thin (I am 46). I also notice that my leg hair doesn’t grow with the same force as it once did (that I welcome). Posts like this are super inspiring because a community of women is so important so we can support each through this time of our lives. Thanks for linking up!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thank you so much for your comment Shelbee. Menopause is no joke, at least we are now talking about it. I can’t remember ever having a conversation with my mum regarding this subject. You are young to start with symptoms but this is quite common and I agree with you so much that it’s great the help and support that is available nowadays, though there’s still a way to go. xx
I was gifted a lash serum called Epilash a couple of years ago and it was amazing – I had people asking me if I’d had lash extensions. Sadly I can’t find it anymore. I bought some from Wildmint, which hasn’t had the results I was hoping for so far. I’ve been using it for over a month, and as I bought three tubes I’ll keep using it, but I’m looking to try a different one after they run out. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Love the shirt, it looks very neat with the jeans. Thanks for sharing on #Chicandstylish Jacqui x
I’ve heard so much about RevitalashAlison. I’ve never used it because I have sensitive eyes. I have stubbles instead of flutters! I am however just about to start a trial of a lash serum. I will keep you posted!
Thanks so much for this review! Just this week I considered making an appointment for lash extensions but it’s so spendy. Would love to try something like this as an alternative. AND why did my lashes disappear in my mid-forites 🙁 Have a great week! ~Sherry
https://justlivejoy.com/choosing-the-perfect-bag-and-tote-for-travel/
Lovely outfit< love the striped button down. I have long lashes, but I have always had bushy eyebrows, I used to compare mine to Brooke Shields back in the day! I get threading down now, so it makes them so nice! I think your eyelashes look great. Thanks for the info on these products, I love to hear what people use.
thanks for linking!
enjoy your week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Menopause can be hard on the eyebrows. My kids have been teasing me about the smudges where my well-defined eyebrows once arched majestically. After 2 bottle of Eyebrow Growth Dermalmd, I had to reduce applications because my eyebrows had gotten so dark and full that I started hearing “Groucho” remarks. This stuff really worked for me.
Author
I’ll have to check this brand. I have been using NYX1 on both my lashes and brows for a few months, with some improvements, not dramatic but enough to go on with it.