I have to admit it: I have never used false eyelashes and I don't plan to do so, I feel ridiculous with them., although I love watching them and encouraging other women to experiment with them. However, every time I think about them, a hilarious scene comes to mind: a Will Smith in complete confusion during an earthquake, while his girlfriend removes all the artifices that enhanced her beauty, including false nails, provoking a comical reaction from the Bel Air star.
Aside from this anecdote, the origin of false eyelashes and their manufacture is a fascinating topic.
The birth of false eyelashes: lights, camera and action
Although today you can find hundreds of tutorials on the Internet on how to achieve perfect false eyelashes, their origin dates back to a story that began more than a century ago, in the glamorous world of silent film. It was during the filming of the ambitious film intolerance, directed by DW Griffith in 1916, when false eyelashes made their debut in show business.
DW Griffith wanted actress Seena Owen's eyelashes to brush her cheeks and give an extra touch of magic to her eyes. For this, she hired a wig maker who wove false eyelashes using human hair attached to a fine mesh. This process, although innovative, was laborious and only guaranteed to last about two hours, until modern materials transformed the false eyelash landscape.
Historical evolution and technological advances
False eyelashes were not always accessible to the general public. During its first decades, only actresses and celebrities had the privilege of wearing them. However, with the appearance of new materials and techniques, the panorama changed radically.
In 1902, German hairdresser Karl Nessler patented a technique for weaving false eyelashes and eyebrows. Although this idea was innovative, it did not gain popularity until years later due to its complexity.
As early as 1911, Anna Taylor, a Canadian inventor, filed a patent for false eyelashes, but the real push came in the 30s and 50s, when Hollywood adopted false eyelashes as an indispensable element of the entertainment industry. Iconic film actresses popularized them during this period, projecting an image of glamour that delighted the public.
The 60s marked a turning point, with artist Mary Quant and model Twiggy establishing eyelashes as a symbol of mass fashion. It was during this period that Asian beauty lines began to adopt this accessory, ensuring its permanence as a global trend.
By 2000, Korea and Japan had perfected techniques that allowed for the quick application of eyelash extensions. In 2004, these innovations democratized false eyelashes, making them accessible to many more people.
Materials and types: What are false eyelashes made of?
Nowadays, there are multiple materials and types of false eyelashes that adapt to different needs and budgets. The most common are those made of synthetic material due to their low cost. However, premium eyelashes are usually made with natural fur, such as mink or fox, which considerably increases its price, reaching over 100% compared to synthetic versions.
Other popular types include curtain or full lashes and mascara. The latter, although more expensive, offer a more natural finish and a lighter feel.
Curiosities about false eyelashes
1. The technique of Ancient Egypt: Although modern false eyelashes were born in the early 20th century, there are records of men and women in Ancient Egypt using ointments to lengthen their eyelashes.
2. Roman beliefs: According to the author Pliny the Elder, long eyelashes were a symbol of chastity, since it was thought that "excessive love" caused them to fall out.
3. Early disasters: During the 19th century, some women even sewed human hair onto their eyelids, a dangerous technique that was soon abandoned.
What does the future hold?
With technological advances such as magnetic eyelash designs and permanent treatments, the world of false eyelashes continues to evolve. These developments not only improve comfort and maintenance, but also expand the aesthetic possibilities for all tastes and styles.
False eyelashes have come a long way from their humble beginnings in silent films to becoming an essential accessory of modern makeup. Whether for everyday use or for a special event, these little wonders continue to capture the imagination of women and men around the world.