What do Kate Moss, Cheryl Cole and Katie Price have in common? Why, false eyelashes, of course. Big, glamorous, over-the-top lashes. What used to be the preserve of drag queens and pantomime dames is springs hottest trend.
The depth of the fashion became clear in April last year, when Michelle Obama arrived at Buckingham Palace wearing ... false eyelashes. Now, they are suddenly everywhere.
It seems as if world’s gone mad for flirty lashes. Much has been written about the so-called lipstick effect; the eyelash effect takes things to a new level. False eyelashes are the ultimate in groomed glamour - and that so many women are opting for them says a lot about our determination to ignore the recession with something utterly frivolous.
It's hard to pinpoint the moment when lashes became beauty's favourite fakery, when they were invested with the same oomph power as the perfect boobs, legs and lips combined. But in the past year, they have become an essential. According to Anne Woods the Irish Lash Perfect supplier, there’s been a surge in popularity in the last few months and that’s, generally, because so many celebrities are sporting the trend.
“Semi permanent lashes have become so popular recently because people have seen the likes of Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham wearing them, “she says. “ They see what a difference to the eyes and face they make. Any age group can wear lashes and when you wake up in the morning with semi permanent eyelashes on you feel like you are already made up! Once you start wearing extensions you become completely hooked and feel naked without them!” she admits.
Sales of lashes have rocketed in the past year and the trend is set to keep growing but falsies are nothing new - Dusty Springfield was never without hers in the Sixties. False lashes were originally invented by Academy award-winning film director D. W. Griffith for actresses in his 1916 epic movie Intolerance, using human hair woven through fine gauze which was then gummed to the actresses' lashes. They became a key part of the 1930s and 1940s screen sirens' aesthetic (think Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich and Betty Davis). But it wasn't until the 1960s and Twiggy that they were adopted into ordinary women's beauty regime.
Today, technological advances mean false lashes look more realistic than ever, with lash extensions and perms also on offer; stroll into the chemist these days, and you can buy anything from a dainty set to diamante-encrusted "party specials". Such is the demand, Groom and Benefit have opened dedicated lash bars in most of their outlets, Nails Inc has started a false-lash service, Get Lashed, and Girls Aloud have collaborated with Eylure to create their own range .
But why are we so enamoured with the idea of having long, thick eyelashes? As usual, it’s all about attracting the opposite sex and trying to appear a little younger than we actually are. Dr Bernhard Fink, a research scientist at the Department of Sociobiology at the University of Goettingen in Germany, says:
"Cosmetics and make-up exaggerate the features that men are usually sensitive to, thus making those women highly attractive to them. Eyes and eye gaze are of particular relevance in terms of showing interest and attention. I believe that showing exaggerated (and groomed) eyelashes highlights the eyes; it draws attention to them, not because the lashes per se are important, but because the eyes are the key features.” Besides, Dr Fink points out, "Hair tends to grow slower when we age. Thus, long eye lashes signal youth."
So whether you want to go for a younger wide –eyed look of simply feel like trying out something to boost your sex appeal, one things for sure, there’s never been a better time to opt for lashings of glamour!
HOW TO WEAR THEM
SUBTLE APPROACH: A few lash inserts added to the outside edge of the eye for a fuller, more fluttery look.
The OTT LOOK: Not for the faint-hearted, this is for those who like to stand out from the crowd. The bigger and sparklier the better.
EYELASH EXTENSIONS: Everyone from Cheryl Cole to Victoria Beckham wears eyelash extensions these days, which last up to four weeks.
For more information go to www.lashperfect.ie
