The internet is a breeding ground for viral content, and sometimes, history gets twisted in the process. A recent meme suggested that fake eyelashes were invented in the 1880s by a prostitute named Gerda Puridle, supposedly to protect her eyes. This intriguing, albeit NSFW, origin story has piqued curiosity, prompting us to delve into the real history of fake eyelashes and answer the question: Why Were Fake Eyelashes Invented?
Alice Regnault, a French actress and novelist, was misidentified in the meme as Gerda Puridle.
Debunking the Myth: Gerda Puridle and the Real Face Behind the Meme
Let’s address the viral claim upfront: the story about Gerda Puridle is entirely false. The woman featured in the meme is not a 1880s prostitute, but rather Alice Regnault, a celebrated French actress and novelist from the late 19th century. The photograph of Regnault, taken by the renowned French photographer Nadar around 1879, was originally part of a collection showcasing prominent actresses of Paris. This misidentification highlights how easily misinformation can spread online, even when it involves historical figures.
While the meme is a fabrication, it does touch upon a genuine interest in the history of beauty enhancements. Humans have long sought ways to accentuate their eyes, and eyelashes, being a prominent feature, have always been a focal point. So, if not for eye protection by a fictional character, what were the actual motivations and timelines behind the invention of fake eyelashes?
Ancient Roots and 19th-Century Innovations in Eyelash Enhancement
The desire for longer, darker eyelashes is not a modern phenomenon. Evidence suggests that ancient Egyptians, both men and women, used kohl and other substances to darken and lengthen their lashes as far back as centuries BC. These early practices were driven by a combination of aesthetic and practical reasons, including sun protection and symbolic representation of status.
However, the concept of artificial eyelashes, as we understand them today, began to emerge in the late 19th century. Beauty trends of the Victorian era emphasized delicate features and refined appearances. While heavy makeup was frowned upon, subtle enhancements were increasingly sought after. This era saw the first documented methods of elongating eyelashes using human hair.
In 1882, a publication called “Medical Record” described a Parisian technique of creating “false eyelashes.” This involved a rather invasive procedure of sewing dark hairs into the eyelids to create a fringe. This early method, while rudimentary and likely uncomfortable, demonstrates the growing demand for enhanced eyelashes and the ingenuity of the time in addressing this beauty desire.
The 20th Century and the Rise of Modern Fake Eyelashes
The true turning point in the history of fake eyelashes arrived in the early 20th century with innovation and the burgeoning entertainment industry. In 1911, Anna Taylor, a Canadian inventor, secured the first US patent for artificial eyelashes. Taylor’s design involved a fabric strip implanted with tiny hairs, a significant step towards the more comfortable and practical false eyelashes we know today. While the exact motivations behind Taylor’s invention aren’t explicitly stated in historical records, it’s reasonable to assume she aimed to provide a less cumbersome and more accessible method for achieving longer eyelashes compared to earlier techniques.
Despite Taylor’s patent, it was Hollywood that truly catapulted fake eyelashes into the mainstream. Filmmaker D.W. Griffith is often credited with popularizing them in 1916 during the filming of his epic movie “Intolerance.” Griffith desired actress Seena Owen’s eyes to appear larger and more “supernatural” on screen. He instructed his wigmaker to create lashes from human hair and glue them onto Owen’s eyelids. This on-set innovation, although initially causing discomfort for the actress, had a profound impact on beauty trends.
The dramatic effect of fake eyelashes on screen quickly translated into real-world desire. By the 1920s, false lashes became a staple for actresses and fashionable flappers who sought to emulate the “baby doll” eyes they saw in films. Beauty entrepreneurs like Charles Nestle (Karl Nessler), who also invented the permanent wave, recognized the commercial potential of fake eyelashes. Nestle manufactured and marketed them, even promoting them as protection against the glare of electric lights, showcasing early marketing tactics to boost their appeal.
Why Were Fake Eyelashes Truly Invented? A Convergence of Factors
So, returning to our central question, “why were fake eyelashes invented?”, the answer is multifaceted and far more nuanced than a simple meme suggests. The invention and popularization of fake eyelashes were driven by:
- A Long-Standing Desire for Enhanced Beauty: Throughout history, cultures have valued and sought ways to enhance eyelashes as a marker of beauty and attractiveness.
- Technological and Material Advancements: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw innovations in materials and manufacturing processes that made creating more practical and aesthetically pleasing artificial eyelashes possible.
- The Rise of the Entertainment Industry: Hollywood and the burgeoning film industry played a crucial role in popularizing fake eyelashes, showcasing their dramatic effect and creating a desire for this glamorous look among the wider public.
- Commercial Opportunity: Entrepreneurs and beauty companies recognized the market potential for fake eyelashes and capitalized on the growing demand, further driving their adoption and evolution.
In conclusion, while the meme attributing the invention of fake eyelashes to a fictional prostitute is false and humorous, it inadvertently highlights a real and fascinating history. Fake eyelashes were not born from a need for eye protection in brothels, but rather from a centuries-old pursuit of beauty enhancement, coupled with innovation and the influential power of media and popular culture. They represent a fascinating intersection of beauty standards, technological progress, and the enduring human desire to accentuate our natural features.
