In the June 22 issue of Maclean's, Scott Feschuk reports on the latest in cosmetic pharmaceuticals, Latisse, from Allergen Inc., advertised by Brooke Shields and promising longer, fuller, darker eyelashes.
Oh yes, and possible side-effects:
To be fair, Brooke’s commercial does warn of two potential side effects: itchy eyes and eye redness. Only when you go to the Latisse website do you learn of the drug’s other charming powers, such as its ability to “cause eyelid skin darkening” and the “potential for increased brown iris pigmentation, which is likely to be permanent.”
Hmm. Well maybe some people would like browner eyes. Anything else?
After detailing various laboratory tests done on mice—and really, what could be a more dignified end for a lab mouse than giving up its life so that humanity can combat the scourge of not-quite-thick-enough eyelashes?—the Latisse information sheet notes: “Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, Latisse should be administered during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.”
Gee. That's a toughie. The ethics of cosmetic enhancement can be really tricky sometimes.
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