Skip to main content

[The History of Lashes] How Did Humanity Conquer Eyelashes?

[The History of Lashes] How Did Humanity Conquer Eyelashes?

A pair of curled, long lashes undeniably enhances one's appearance. Not only do they make the eyes appear deeper and more captivating, but they also perfect the eye shape and convey a variety of charming and lively expressions. This is why people are so passionate about enhancing their lashes. From strip lashes to cluster lashes, from lash extensions to DIY lashes, do you know how lashes have evolved step by step into what they are today?

 

The First Person to Invent False Eyelashes

While enjoying the convenience of modern false lashes, have you ever wondered which genius first came up with this amazing beauty invention?

The history of human exploration in eyelash beauty can be traced back to ancient Egypt around 3100 BC. At that time, women applied mixtures of crocodile dung, donkey liver, and honey to their lashes to darken them. Historical records of false eyelashes can also be found in ancient Egyptian and Roman texts dating back to 2000 BC.

 

 

In 1882, Henry Labouchère of Truth reported that Parisians had discovered a method to create false eyelashes by sewing hair into the eyelids. On July 6, 1899, The Dundee Courier described this painful procedure of sewing hair into the eyelids. In 1911, a Canadian woman named Anna Taylor applied for a U.S. patent for false eyelashes. Taylor designed her false lashes using crescent-shaped fabric strips with tiny hairs attached to them.

The most well-known milestone, however, occurred in 1916 when American director D.W. Griffith, while filming Intolerance, wanted actress Seena Owen’s lashes to brush against her cheeks. He sought out a local wig maker who used real human hair and adhered them to Owen’s eyelids with wig glue, achieving the perfect cinematic effect. This event brought false eyelashes into the public eye for the first time.

 

 

Becoming a Fashion Trend

Despite their invention in 1916, false eyelashes did not immediately become a household item. One reason was that the dramatic lashes designed for film production were unnatural and unsuitable for everyday wear. Additionally, the lack of mechanized production made false eyelashes expensive and meant that wearing them could cause eye irritation.

However, as actresses in the film industry frequently used false lashes on screen, by the 1930s, false eyelashes gained recognition from Vogue and gradually became accepted by ordinary women.

 

 

 

By the mid-20th century, with the booming film industry, Hollywood beauties such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn popularized long, curled false lashes, inspiring many women to follow suit. As technology advanced and manufacturing improved, false eyelashes became more affordable and comfortable. In the 1960s, British model and actress Twiggy took false lashes to new heights. Known for her dramatic eye makeup, Twiggy’s signature bold lashes became a defining trend of the Swinging Sixties, making false eyelashes a must-have for every makeup enthusiast.

 

 

Twiggy in 1967, with her signature exaggerated eyelashes

 

 

The Diversification of Modern Lashes

As time progressed, false eyelash materials and techniques underwent significant advancements. Initially, real human hair was used to make false eyelashes, but for better results, mink fur was introduced. While luxurious and beautiful, mink lashes raised ethical concerns, leading to the search for alternative materials like silk and synthetic fibers. Today, synthetic lashes have evolved to the point where they closely resemble real lashes—soft, voluminous, and resistant to deformation—ensuring a lightweight, comfortable wearing experience.

In terms of lash application techniques, eyelash extensions emerged in the 1950s, where individual false lashes were adhered to natural lashes for long-term wear. Later, Japan and South Korea introduced DIY cluster lash extensions, allowing users to apply pre-made clusters onto their natural lashes for a quicker beauty solution. Inspired by these innovations, the lash industry has seen rapid advancements, with cluster lashes, strip lashes, magnetic lashes, and colored lashes catering to diverse beauty needs.

VeyesBeauty: Innovating Alongside Lash Evolution

Aligning with the evolution of the global lash industry, VeyesBeauty has pioneered numerous innovations and breakthroughs in lash production. Originally specializing in salon-grade lash extensions, the brand honed its expertise through years of dedicated research and craftsmanship, earning a loyal customer base along the way. As the lash market evolved and consumer expectations grew, VeyesBeauty was born—dedicated to creating professional DIY lash extensions. With a commitment to convenience, comfort, and exceptional value, VeyesBeauty strives to bring high-quality, professional-grade lashes to every beauty lover worldwide, making effortless beauty more accessible than ever.

It has five key development phases below.

 

 

 

Phase 1: Technological Leap in Cluster Lash Manufacturing

Before VeyesBeauty entered the market, most false lashes were produced using traditional bonding techniques, often leading to misaligned and loosely bound lash fibers, reducing comfort and increasing production defects. To address this, VeyesBeauty implemented standardized production processes, ensuring neatly arranged, softer, and more comfortable lashes while reducing defect rates and costs, making high-quality lashes more accessible.

 

Phase 2: Extending Wear Duration for Long-Lasting, Weightless Comfort

As a substitute for salon lash extensions, cluster lashes needed to offer not just a similar look but also comparable longevity. To achieve this, VeyesBeauty focused on enhancing lash bands and adhesives. On one hand, the brand developed ultra-thin, super-fine invisible bands made from a globally exclusive material by upgrading existing technology. Therefore, these bands are lightweight and adhere seamlessly to natural lashes. On the other hand, VeyesBeauty introduced a hypoallergenic, high-adhesion lash glue, allowing up to five days of secure wear with proper application. Additionally, the glue is enhanced with advanced Anti-Freeze Technology, ensuring usability even in extreme temperatures as low as -20°C.

 

 

 

Phase 3: Intelligent Lash Design for a Natural 3D Effect

After entering the lash market, VeyesBeauty discovered that consumers preferred fluffy, voluminous lashes over simple length extensions. To meet this demand, the brand developed 3D Layering Technology, creating lashes with multi-dimensional volume. Additionally, 3D Positioning Technology ensured that each fiber within a lash cluster exhibited varying degrees of curl, set permanently through high-temperature molding—maintaining its shape no matter how much it is handled.

For bottom lashes, VeyesBeauty pioneered Multi-Directional Cluster Technology, where each fiber in a lash cluster grows in different directions, mimicking the natural growth pattern of human lashes for an ultra-realistic effect.

 

 

 

Phase 4: Expanding Lash Styles for Diverse Consumer Needs

With its expertise in lash manufacturing, VeyesBeauty continuously developed new styles to cater to market demands. From a single best-selling design, the brand has since launched multiple iconic styles, including self-adhesive lashes, spiky lashes, fox-eye lashes, and more. It has also expanded beyond cluster lashes to include self-adhesive cluster lashes, strip lashes, and magnetic lashes, ensuring a variety of choices for different consumers.

 

Phase 5: Sustainable Materials and Smart Production

As DIY lashes continue to grow in popularity, VeyesBeauty recognizes that innovation and adapting to market trends are key to long-term success. In 2024, VeyesBeauty introduced Laser-Cutting Technology into lash production, marking a transformation from semi-handcrafted manufacturing to fully automated laser precision. At the same time, they eliminate the lash band to reduce weight and thickness by half compared to conventional designs. Additionally, new features such as flat-base designs, R-shaped rounded bases, and semi-liquid adhesive strips ensure waterproof, sweatproof, and long-lasting wear while enhancing overall comfort—truly achieving effortless, weightless lash application. Currently, VeyesBeauty's products can be reused over five times. Looking ahead, VeyesBeauty will continue investing in eco-friendly materials and technological innovation, ensuring that false eyelashes bring beauty and confidence to even more women.

 

 

 

Social Media: Opening a New Era for DIY Lashes

Today, celebrities remain the driving force behind lash culture. Icons like Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé continue to wear bold, glamorous false lashes, inspiring fans worldwide. Social media amplifies these trends, making lashes more accessible while providing a platform for individuals to showcase their beauty. Beauty influencers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube frequently share their favorite lashes and makeup tips, making beauty more convenient and diverse than ever before.

 

Beyond Lashes: The Future of Beauty with Veyesbeauty

A famous Hollywood makeup artist once said, "A woman’s face can go without any other makeup, but not without lashes." Though small, lashes play an indispensable role in enhancing beauty and confidence. In the diverse and evolving world, beauty knows no limits—and neither does VeyesBeauty. Throughout the long history of lash evolution, VeyesBeauty remains committed to continuous innovation, not just crafting lashes, we are dedicated to breaking boundaries and reimagining beauty with a visionary perspective. In the future, we will continue to draw inspiration from our consumers, meticulously developing high-quality cosmetic products that empower everyone to express their unique beauty.

VeyesBeauty is more than a brand—it is an attitude. We lead trends, inspire confidence, and pave the way for a bolder, more expansive beauty landscape.

 

Comments

Be the first to comment.
All comments are moderated before being published.