Colorsport: Rapid Lash-Gro Eyeliner

Claims: Fuller, Thicker, Longer –Looking Lashes in 60 days

I was sent this nearly a year ago to trial and am only about ¾ through.  I started off using it very regularly then slacked off and have been using it almost daily for the past 3 months.

Beware the ingredient

There is a chemical that has given amazing results in terms of eye lash and eye brow growth to chemo patients called LATISSE® which is a prostaglandin.  It is FDA approved but only available on prescription as there can be some serious side effects.  It is not available for general cosmetic use.  Therefore consumers need to be careful when buying an eyelash growth product that you check it is approved for cosmetic use and is not a prostaglandin.

Managing Expectations

Therefore brands with eye lash growth products have a bit of a tough time living up to Latisse, as its normal to only expect eyelash growth of around 2mm over a 60 day period which is not always so noticeable.  

The Science

Reference is made to an active called Capixyl™ which is acetyl tetrapeptide-3 with red clover extract.   Acetyl tetrapeptide-3 is a peptide which is known to stimulate hair growth and is a popular choice for this type of product.    Red clover is rich in isoflavanones and is known to be increase hair thickness and is recommended for alopecia.  The manufacturer of Capixyl™ is the well regarded Lucas Meyer who has conducted clinical trials to test the efficacy and has no doubt observed synergy between these two ingredients.  The active is included at 2.5% which is well within manufacturers recommended range.

Application

I do find liquid eyeliner challenging to apply and rarely experience matching eyes.  However, this is a very fine brush which has retained its shape for many months and is effective in applying a fine line above the eyelashes.  It is also quick drying which is a huge plus, which means eye shadow can go over the top without smudging – and has lasts until it’s removed at night time.  In fact I find it better than other liquid eyeliners I’ve used and eyeliner pens.  I didn’t really get on with applying it to my bottom lashes, it tended to smudge more and not last as long – but this maybe down to my application.

Effectiveness 

In some respects I wasn’t the best subject to test for lash thickening and lengthening as I wear eyelash extensions and every time they come off I think my eyelashes look non-existent because I’m so used to seeing extensions.  However, one of the reasons I wanted to use this was because I wanted to improve my lash condition and keep them growing healthy and strong to be able to take the regular application of extensions.

Negatives

If it hasn’t been used for a while it may start to separate, however its fine after being shaken.  The only negative is the component.  After 4 months the lid started to crack at the bottom and now the brush part stays in the pot and detaches itself from the lid and it’s a bit messy pulling the brush out and putting it back in the lid (I tend to use a cotton bud and tissue to avoid getting black all over my hand).  It does drip a bit when taken out of the component, so I recommend applying it over a skin.  Its trial and error to select the right component sometimes so hopefully if the manufacturer reads this they can feed it back to their component supplier.

Costs around £14.95

Janina Maximum Super Strength Ultra Whitening Toothpaste *

Claims: Whitens and strengthens teeth, Controls plaque and tartar and helps prevent decay

I used to sell to Arm & Hammer, GSK and Colgate so I know a fair bit about what goes into toothpaste and the challenges facing the manufacturers.  So I was able to identify that this toothpaste had a lot more high quality and interesting ingredients than what is available mass market.

How it works?

Bromaine Complex is combination of pineapple and papain which is natural enzymes which will help gentle remove plaque.  This is rare to see in oral care, usually baking powder or silica is included as abrasive ingredients.

Hydroxyapatite is an essential part of teeth and this is a grade which whitens and re-calcifying teeth.

Mentha Avensis Leaf oil – gives a natural flavour to it, rare in mass market toothpastes.

Application

The manufacturer recommends not rinsing the mouth out with water after spitting out the excess.  This is in order to allow the actives time to work due to extended contact time.  It does take a conscious effort to remember this each time.

Effectiveness 

I have tried a few whitening toothpastes before and never really saw any difference, however I did see a noticeable difference with this, particularly when I followed the instructions more closely of not rinsing out the mouth with water.

Recommended:  Definitely

Costs around £8.44 from Boots

*Free Sample

English Rose Cosmetics Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed Eye Cream