2 min read

The Wink of Time: A History of Lash Extensions

Lash extensions have fluttered their way through

history, leaving a trail of beauty and intrigue in their wake. From ancient adornments to modern marvels, the story of lash extensions is as entertaining as it is enlightening. So, grab your mascara wand and let's take a humorous trip through time to explore the evolution of these eye-catching enhancements.

Kim Kardashian Egyptian statue, Twiggy model, Kim Kardashian — Ancient Egyptian would use kohl eyeline. In the 20th mid-century lash strip falsies were popular. Now, lash extensions are the gold standard

Ancient Antics:

Our journey begins in ancient times, where the quest for captivating lashes was already in full swing. The Egyptians, known for their eye-catching makeup techniques, used kohl and other natural ingredients to darken and lengthen their lashes. Rumor has it that Cleopatra herself had a stash of eyelash secrets that could rival any modern beauty guru's collection.

Egyptian statue Egyptian statue — Ancient Egyptian men and women would use coal eyeliner Ancient Egyptian men and women used kohl

Middle Ages Madness:

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, where beauty took a backseat to survival, and lash enhancements were more about superstition than style. Some believed that long lashes could ward off evil spirits or even improve eyesight (a theory we'd love to test with some modern science).

Middle Ages medieval — Starting around the 14th century, European thinkers, writers and artists began to look back and celebrate the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome

Victorian Vanity:

In the Victorian era, beauty standards reached new heights (or lengths) with the invention of mascara. While this early version of mascara was more akin to a wax crayon than the sleek tubes we know today, it paved the way for the lash obsession that was to come.

Victorian bride — The Victorian era was the reign of Queen Victoria, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901.

20th Century Twists:

The 20th century brought about the birth of false eyelashes, adding a touch of drama to the silver screen and beyond. Stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn made fluttery lashes a must-have accessory, proving that sometimes, a little bit of fakery can go a long way.

Actress from the 1920s — The birth of lash strip falsies in mascara

Lash falsies, Twiggy Model — The era of lash falsies

The Modern Marvel:

Fast forward to the 1990s, when lash extensions as we know them today burst onto the scene. This revolutionary technique involved attaching individual synthetic lashes to natural ones, creating a look that was as natural as it was stunning. Suddenly, everyone wanted lashes that could rival those of their favorite Hollywood starlets.

Eyelash clusters — The innovation of lash clusters giving clients a semi permanent look

Classic Lashes Classic lashes — Single lash extensions made of synthetic fiber

The Future of Flutter:

As we look to the future, it's clear that the world of lash extensions is poised for even more growth and innovation. With advancements in technology and a growing demand for sustainable beauty options, we can expect to see lash extensions that are lighter, more natural-looking, and eco-friendly. Who knows? Maybe one day, we'll be able to blink and apply our lash extensions with the flick of an eyelid.

Omni Volume Lash extensions — Omni Volume® lashes are gently held together at the bases using a proprietary lightweight and flexible formula to help you create evenly spaced, lightweight, and wide fans with narrow bases.

In conclusion, the history of lash extensions is a tale as old as time, filled with twists, turns along the way. Whether you're a lash aficionado or just a curious observer, one thing's for sure: the wink of time has been kind to lash extensions, and the future looks even brighter.