The History of Eyelash Extensions: Who & Why Invented them!

Who knew that the long-lasting, full-volume lashes we all dream about would be possible many years ago? While they’ve certainly changed over the decades, it can’t be denied that lash enhancement is one of those things that’s always fascinated humans and still does today! Who invented false eyelash extensions?

The Origins of Fake Eyelash Extensions

It may seem like an ancient procedure now, but lash enhancement was used in Ancient Egypt back as 2000 B.C., where women would use henna powder and black kohl to draw thin lines on their eyes. However, it wasn’t until much later that the Chinese began using small strips made out of gold or silver thread secured around the inner eye with glue. This practice continued through multiple cultures throughout history. Some historians believe that even earlier civilizations like the Greeks had started experimenting with false eyelashes too!

The Middle Ages

As you might imagine, these early methods didn’t do anything except add a little color and drama to your vision. Still, it took quite a while before anyone thought of making the enhancements permanent. For example, during the Middle Ages, Europeans believed that adding extra hair to the upper eyelid could help protect against blindness; this method was called “eyebrow painting.” However, no records indicate whether these women ever got lasting results from their efforts!

18th Century

Eventually, though, someone figured out how to make the process somewhat less painful by coating each lash with wax and attaching them individually with tweezers. This method worked pretty well, but eventually, the lashes fell off due to repeated removal, stretching, and other factors. By the 18th century, though, another French woman named Marie Louise Bertin finally developed what she claimed was a foolproof way to achieve natural-looking longer lashes permanently…and her technique became known as “false eyelashes” (as opposed to eyebrow paint).

Throughout the 19th century, the popularity of false eyelashes steadily grew, especially after actress Sarah Bernhardt popularized wearing fake lashes during performances in Paris. But despite its widespread appeal, the cost of this type of enhancement remained prohibitively high for many people who couldn’t afford it. That isn’t to say that everyone living during this era was rich; At the same time, only 1% of men earned enough money to be considered wealthy according to standards set forth by Queen Victoria of England; 10% of women did earn enough income to qualify as affluent. Still, not every lady enjoyed having her lashes professionally enhanced because of the expense involved.

When mascara came along in 1888, it gave women another option for enhancing their appearance without needing professional assistance. Mascara acted as both a primer and adhesive for the added lengthier eyelashes, allowing women to apply just two coats instead of the three required for traditional false eyelashes. As women increasingly embraced makeup products, the demand for better quality lashes increased, leading manufacturers to produce higher quality products with improved application techniques, like transplantation. During World War II, eyelash extension procedures became extremely popular among American homemakers trying to keep up appearances with limited supplies thanks to rationing practices.

The False Eyelashes we know today.

Despite the prevalence of mascara itself, the real turning point occurred in 1963 when Elizabeth Arden introduced LashBlast Volume, the world’s first synthetic volumizing mascara that allowed consumers to get fuller, thicker lashes without worrying about clumps or smudging. A few years later, Lancome debuted MaxFactor Voluminous Lurex False Eyelashes, the world’s first lengthening formula explicitly designed to create dramatic falsies. These days, nearly every brand offers a variety of options for achieving thick, lush lashes, including everything from pencils, curlers, gels, mousses, sprays, liquids, powders, mascaras, etc. shimmers. You name it; the chances are good that almost every major beauty company has at least one product to give you bigger, sexier lashes.

But perhaps the most significant factor in determining why eyelash enhancers remain hugely popular today is that they’re pretty darn easy to obtain. You need to visit your local department store cosmetics counter and ask if they offer eyelash enhancement services. If they don’t, take heart! There are plenty of places online where you can find affordable solutions that will allow you to try your hand at growing longer lashes yourself. It should go without saying that anyone considering doing this kind of cosmetic work needs to thoroughly educate themselves beforehand by reading reviews and testimonials left by previous customers. Also, consult your doctor before undergoing any cosmetic treatment to ensure you aren’t allergic to certain chemicals commonly found in eyelash boosters. And lastly, never skip regular visits to the dermatologist to monitor for side effects.

So next time you reach for your favorite mascara or concealer to enhance your look, consider taking advantage of modern technology to give yourself sexy, sultry lashes for weeks, guaranteed!

On the contrary

Eyelash extensions are a type of semi-permanent cosmetic treatment for the eye area, and throughout the years, there have been different stories about who invented this beauty trend. Some people say that prostitute Gerda Piuridle from 1882 is the person behind this fashion statement, while others say it was a Hollywood trend that started in the 1930s. So who do you think invented false eyelashes?

Why were eyelashes invented?

Some say eyelashes were invented to keep debris and particles from our eyes, while others believe they serve a cosmetic purpose. No matter what their actual function may be, one thing is for sure-eyelashes are one of the most beautiful features on our face!

Eyelash enhancements (and other beauty treatments) may have served a dual purpose in ancient Egypt- not only were they fashionable, but they may have also had practical benefits.

Two thousand five hundred years later, Roman women aspired to have ultra-long lashes after famed philosopher Pliny the Elder asserted that lengthy eyelashes were a sign of maintaining a moral and chaste lifestyle.

Practical benefits such as?

It’s believed that the antibacterial properties of eye makeup may have been one such practical benefit.

In other words, long lashes were fashionable in ancient Egypt, but they may also have served a purpose in keeping their wearer healthy! Who knew? Mascara had such a long and rich history!

False Eyelash Extensions in 2024

In the 2000s, eyelash extensions were not as popular today. Most women opted for mascara and other methods to make their lashes look fuller. However, in 2024, more women choose to get eyelash extensions because of the many benefits. Attachments can make your lashes look fuller and longer, and they can also make your eyes look brighter and more awake. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra glamour to your look, then consider getting eyelash extensions!

Fun Fact

False eyelashes have had a long and varied history. They’ve been popular at different times and for various reasons. But what’s the story behind them? How did they become so popular in the first place? And why did they fall out of fashion?

False eyelashes have been around for centuries. They were popular in the early 1900s when women wanted to imitate the Hollywood stars of the day. But they fell out of favor in the 1970s and ’80s, when natural looks became more popular.

Madonna recently stirred up some controversy by wearing a costly pair of false eyelashes. At $10,000, these lashes were made from mink and studded with diamonds. While Pliny the Elder may not have approved, it does give us hope for their comeback. After all, who doesn’t love a good set of false eyelashes?

Interestingly, false eyelashes never made a complete comeback, despite the trend for more glamorous makeup in the 2000s. Maybe it’s because they’re just too high-maintenance! But there’s no doubt that they can add a touch of glamour to any look.

So, next time you’re getting ready for a big night out, why not give false eyelashes a try? They might be the perfect finishing touch!