While we all love a good set of lashes and how they bring a look together, have you ever stopped to think where fake eyelashes came from? This history is almost never boring, combining as it does oldschool vanity, Hollywood sparkle, and even a few unexpected innovators. Well, onto the book of all lash history and facts!

Throughout The Ages: The Original Lash Enhancers

It was and Photoshop and IG filters were once a dream; women have always desired those full gashes!

Cleopatra and her crew prepped their lashes using kohl in Egypt (4000 BC) There were even women who glued on little strands of fiber to their lashes with resin—aka the original lash extensions!

Ancient Rome: Women burned cork and ashes. for a DIY mascara (ouch for thicker-looking lashes.

Renaissance Era: Human hair falsies entered the scene, featuring hand-tied strands glued to lids for amplified flutter.

The Early 1900s and the Birth of Modern Fake Lashes

Primitive civilizations played around with stuff, but a major leap forward occurred in the early 1900s.

1. Karl Nessler, 1902 – The Hair Talent Who Kicked It All Off

It was the first artificial eyelashes, which he patented in London by a German wigmaker, Charles Nessler. Colombian-born Deryck Todd has mugged for the camera, designed duds that Lady Gaga made famous, and even created his own hair pieces back in the day out of human hair and sold them in-store—but they were too rich for most people's blood.

2. The Canadian Innovator (Anna Taylor, 1911)

Things went one step further for Taylor however, who was later awarded a U.S. patent for strip lashes—a half moon band of hairs that can be used to line the eyes in synthetic fur. It was said to be a turning point in lashes, and shortly after, must-have falsies became impossible to get enough of.

3. Max Factor (1910s - 1920s) – The Lash King of Hollywood

The now iconic make-up artist (yes, thatMax Factor) made lashes for silent stars. Well, natural lashes didn't show up as well on cameras so actresses required dramatic falsies. His creations turned lashes into an essential itemfor galmour.

The 1920s: Lashes Got Popular

In the flapper era, bold lashes became a statement of rebellion and femininity. Silent movie stars such as Seena Owen (seen in 1916's Intolerance) helped turn ultra-dramatic lashes into a mainstay.

Vintage Lashes: The Icons of the Mid-20th Century

Here is a 1950s glam look when Marilyn Monroe wore plain white wispy lashes.

1960s: Twiggy's spider-leg falsies ruled the mod age.

Disco queens & supermodels (I'm looking at you, Brooke Shields) kept the lash love alive throughout the 1970s-80s.

Mink to Magnetic: Modern Lashes

Modern falsies are likely lightyears beyond the first designs:

✔ Materials: No more human hair! Mink lashes are now faux mink, silk, and synthetic fibers that are light weight, safer for the eyes, and cruelty free.

✔ Tech Upgrades:

• Hollow-tech lashes (super small holes grip to the glue better)

• Laser-cut bases (last 30% longer)

• Magnet linings & clusters (no glue needed)

✔ Influencer Marketing Explosion: Beauty gurus and celebs (Kylie Jenner, am I right?) turned lashes into a must-have in every make-up bag

Final Lash Thoughts

A LONG WAY From Cleopatra's kohl to Kardashian-level volume, fake lashes have had their heyday. So keep those long lashes luscious → you are draped in HISTORY on your eyes next time you throw on a pair!

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