Fake eyelashes were originally made for multiple purposes, mainly for aesthetic and cultural reasons. The specific details are as follows:
- Aesthetic Enhancement
- Making Eyes Look Larger: In most cultures, large eyes are considered an important factor in beauty. False eyelashes can lengthen and thicken natural eyelashes, making the eyes appear larger and more prominent, thus enhancing the overall beauty of the eyes.
- Adding Glamour and Allure: Since ancient times, people have pursued beauty. False eyelashes can add a sense of luxury and charm to the eyes, making the wearer more attractive and charming. For example, in 1916, director D. W. Griffith had false eyelashes made for actress Seena Owen to make her eyes more prominent on screen.
- Cultural and Symbolic Meanings
- Ancient Egypt: In around 2500 BCE, both men and women in ancient Egypt used ointments and brushes to create a fanned-out lash look. Some evidence indicates that the eye makeup might have had antibacterial properties, which could protect their eyes. So, eyelash enhancement in ancient Egypt was not only about beauty but also had a practical function.
- Ancient Rome: In ancient Rome, long eyelashes were regarded as a symbol of chastity and moral integrity. Roman women used various methods to emphasize their eyelashes, and false eyelashes emerged as a way to meet this cultural need.
