Eyelash extensions also known as fake lashes are artificial eyelashes already
mentioned in the literary sources of ancient Egypt and from the old Rome. Around 2000BC
it's mentioned that the ladies in Pharaoh's court used fake lashes made of fly-legs or fur.
The author Ovidius writes in his book Ars Amandi (from around 100AD) how the ladies made them self
beautiful with the help of makeup and fake lashes. There are detailed notes on how
the various cosmetic preparations was used and what they where used for.
During the 1920s false eyelashes where used by actresses at the theater or by models in the
fashion industry. The eyelashes where applied to their eyelids so that they could get
the veiled and interesting look that the fashion stipulated. The film industry which grew
larger and larger in the 1930-40s provided all of it's main actors with eyelash extensions.
In the late 1950s Elizabeth Taylor wore Egypt-inspired makeup in the movie Cleopatra. Most companies
that produced cosmetics the time introduced both eyeliner and false lashes in their
catalog. Max Factor had two different varieties, long and short, which was applied with a glue
based on a rubber solution.
