They’re at it again. Jan Marini has announced the launch of yet another eyelash enhancement product called Marini Lash.
This one is said to be a non-prostaglandin product that also doesn’t have any regulatory or patent issues. It
represents their third attempt to offer customers a product that gives “amazingly gorgeous, dense and lush eyelashes.” They launched their original product in 2005 and were charging a whopping $150 for a half ounce tube.
Unfortunately, that first product contained a misbranded drug that potentially could’ve changed the color of the users eyes. They pulled the product, reformulated and launched a second version which unfortunately for them, was alleged to infringe on a patent by a pharmaceutical company. This product got confiscated by the FDA and was eventually removed from the market.
New Eyelash Product
So when I read they were trying again, I was surprised. Hasn’t Jan Marini has lost all credibility with products like this? They’ve never shown any evidence that the original product worked, the second product was impounded by the FDA and now they expect people to believe that this new product will deliver on all its promises. Are they serious?
Why would anyone believe that this new Jan Marini product will really make their eyelashes grow better?
Softer Eyelash Claims
Of course, this time they’ve really softened their claims. In fact, the claims are so weak that almost any product could live up to them.
“amazingly gorgeous, dense and lush eyelashes” is what’s known as a “fluff” claim and you don’t need any proprietary technology to make it. The truth is the claim is full of undefined terms that doesn’t mean anything concrete.
What is “amazingly gorgeous”? Pretty much anything can be.
What are “dense eyelashes”? No one can really define this.
What are “lush eyelashes”? I have no idea.
But if you want to buy a $150 tube of mascara that will be no better for your eyelashes than the Maybeline at your local Target, feel free to ask your licensed skin care professional about it. This Beauty Brain is going to stay away.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
While I admire and appreciate a healthy dose of skepticism, I do want to point out a few errors of fact in your post today. I’m noting this just because, as a scientist, you don’t want your conclusion affected by false premise:
* The FDA confiscated the FIRST generation of Marini eyelash “stuff” (for lack of a better word), not the second formula.
* The second formula was removed from the market because of patent infringement (think Allergan/Lumilash).
* None of the Marini eyelash “stuff” in question is a MASCARA, nor is it applied like a mascara. Rather, it’s like a clear EYELINER–the brush is the same used for liquid liners, and you apply it in the same place: Along the lash line. So no, it’s not like there’s a cosmetic affect that you get with mascara. (That’s one point that Marini proponents could use against your entire line of reasoning.)
Having noted these errors, I want to add that we should still be wary about this latest formula. I admit, a few months ago I sprung for the second Marini formulation since (A) I was getting a hefty tax return and could afford it; and (B) knew someone personally who’d used the first formulation with notable results. And I did indeed have results with this second-gen Marini “stuff”–in the form of noticeably longer (but not particularly thicker) lashes.
BUT… I’m not sure if my longer lashes were due to the “stuff” or to the fact that I’d stopped wearing individual falsies–the latter action likely having hindered progress my lashes might have experienced on their own. I’ve always had parakeet lashes, though, and the Marini stuff make a difference compared to how my lashes have looked all my 37 years of life.
But with (A) my results not necessarily being “amazing” (or other hyperbole of your choice); (B) the worries about using a drug for purposes other than those approved by the FDA; and (C) all the points Beauty Brain has pointed out in the past–well, I still share your skepticism. I’ll continue to use what I have (since it works at least “a little”) but won’t repurchase (since it doesn’t work “a lot”) — until someone comes up with clinical trials that prove efficacy and safety. Whether that’s Marini, Allergan, or whoever.
BTW here’s someone who got a list of the latest Marini stuff’s ingredients, and plans to try it out. May be worth monitoring: http://www.truthinaging.com/
Thanks for the clarification. I didn’t mean to imply that the first or second product was confiscated. All I know is what I’ve read from the news wires so I couldn’t tell you if it was the first generation or second generation that was confiscated.
I can’t verify specifically what was removed from the market because of patent infringement and what was removed because of the FDA.
And while you are correct that none of the Jan Marini stuff is mascara per se, it is designed to give you the benefits that a mascara would give.
Thanks again for your report and the tip off of the truthinaging blog. It’s interesting.
Hello,
Thanks for the link. The Beauty Brains brings much needed information and, goodness knows, we need some skepticism. At this stage, all I can say about the new Marini lash is that it seems harmless! Anyway, I’ll let you know how I get on.
Marta
Dear Beauty Brains,
I believe in the first Jan Marini eyelash conditioner. Here’s why:
About 2 years ago I began using it at night. At the same time, in the daytime I began applying Rogaine, carefully and to the upper lash line only, from an eyeliner applicator. I believe this to be safe,since Rogaine is alcohol based, and if it goes in your eye, you’ll know it, and can wash it off.
(Rogaine, by the way, has done wonders for my eyebrows.)
In a few months my puny lashes grew prodigiously. They are so long they get in the way of applying eyeliner!
A makeup artist asked me if I used Jan Marini. I asked why she asked, and her answer was: Everybody I see with lashes like yours uses Jan Marini. This seems to me a powerful testimonial, considering she was NOT selling it.
So, while my amazing lash growth is probably due to Rogaine, I hesitate to stop Jan Marini, and will buy the next generation of Eyelash Conditioner, hoping that it works as well as the first one.
Thank you for your work, you are fabulous!
Cristina
Eyelash conditioner is not used in the same manner as mascara. If there is any correlation between the two, it’s that eyelash conditioner can create longer/thicker eyelashes so that you dont need mascara!
With all the talk going on, I think people are forgetting that Jan Marini produces way more products than just the lash conditioner (which I happen to be a fan of!). She has a ton of lotions and creams that are amazingly effective as well. I particularly like the JM Factor A Eyes for Dark Circles. I get all my Jan Marini products for cheap at http://www.agelessapple.com
They ship quickly, have low prices, and I love that they donate 10% of their profits to animals in need.
the lady that wrote about rogaine, does it hurt your eyes or skin in anyway and then when you get the eyelashes and eyebrows the way you want them what happens after you stop using it?
thanks for your reply coming soon I hope
Ive used the eyelash conditioner for about two months. I work as a receptionist so people are always looking down at my face and my eyes are always on the computer. People are going crazy at how long my eyelashes are. AND this past month, Ive noticed that wearing my sunglasses is ANNOYING because I can’t blink my eyes. I know for sure, without a doubt, that this stuff worked for me. …..and good news, my eyes are still the same color. Imagine that
Just bought a tube of Marini Eyelash Conditioner and just hoping for the best…
Okay this is wrong. I mean you expect us to believe that picture is real? Please give us more solid proofs.
I read that once you stop using Marini Lash that your eyelashes fall out. Is that true?
@Ally – No, that’s not true. Your eyelashes will revert to the way they were before you started using the Jan Marini product (if it’s the one that contains bimatoprost)
I use this product and it does work. My eyelashes were sparse and blonde, I’ve been using this every night for about a year, and they have been longer, darker and thicker since about a month into use.
I don’t claim to understand the science behind it but it definitely does what it promises. I love my lashes now.