When one looks at today's desire for endlessly long eyelashes

When one looks at today's desire for endlessly long eyelashes, it's hard to fathom that during medieval times, women used to pluck them out in order to look fantastic. Indeed, the current battle against unwanted hair seems to be taking place a little bit lower…

Far from the cold castles of the Middle Ages, long eyelashes made their dramatic comeback under the spotlight of Hollywood. Film director DW Griffith and famous make-up artist Max Factor were among the earliest to bring false lashes to the silver screen. Griffith wanted Seena Owen, the actress in his 1916 film Intolerance, to have "eyelashes brushing her cheeks". They had to go beyond mascara to fulfil this fantasy – and falsies were born.

Over the years, false eyelashes have continued to evolve. They now come in every size, shape and material you could imagine. Whether you want to give a natural enhancement to your everyday look or get a dramatic theatrical gaze, there's something for everyone in this selection.

So now you're ready to say goodbye to your mascara? Here's some crucial advice for applying your false lashes properly:

• Do your make-up first and then apply the lashes, so that they won't be dusted with powder and glitter.

• If necessary, trim the lashes to fit your eyes length – from the outer end for a natural look, or from the inner end to keep the longest lashes.

• Apply a small drop of lash glue to the strip with a cotton swab and bend it slowly into a horseshoe shape. Wait 30 seconds for the glue to become slightly sticky. Expert tip: use black glue, which perfectly disappears among natural lashes.

• Apply the strip as close to your natural lash line as possible and start with the internal corner of your eye.

• Finally, gently press on the extremities of the strip with a thin brush handle or a dedicated applicator.