Ancien Times (III)

Romans used kohl to darken their eyelashes, sometimes mixed with saffron or antimony. They also used burnt cork to thicken and darken their lashes. Small ivory sticks were used as applicants.

At the arrival of Christendom, things changed. Christian women tried to avoid cosmetics, in the belief that the natural appearance was more pleasant for God, and luxury and cosmetics were generally not accepted. The first fathers of the church condemned the artificial appearance.

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ROME

In the Roman Empire, to enhance eyelashes was an exclusive feminine feature. Roman women were assisted by female servants or slaves called ornatrices, or cosmetae, who took care of their beauty.

Virgin vestals didn't use any kind of make up, to preserve their chastity.

Roman women lashes should be long, thick and curly, as a sign of beauty brought by the East, from Egypt and India.

Plinius the Elder wrote that: "eyelashes fell out from excessive sex and so it was especially important for women to keep their eyelashes long to prove their chastity".