Why do so many women insist on having such long eyelashes?

Brief description

More than an aesthetic trend, the desire for long eyelashes reflects psychological, symbolic and cultural factors linked to femininity, expression and visual communication.

The gaze as the center of expression

Since ancient times, the eye has been considered one of the most intense forms of nonverbal communication. It's through our eyes that we convey emotion, attention, and even power. So it's no surprise that the eye area has become a major focus of beauty rituals throughout history—from Egyptian kohl to modern-day masks.

Eyelashes, in this context, function as an expressive frame for the gaze . According to a study published in Psychology Today (2023), long, curled eyelashes are perceived as a sign of health, youth, and femininity , as they create a visual contrast that highlights the iris and softens the transition between skin and eyes.

Eyelashes and the imaginary of femininity

Western beauty standards have cemented long, voluminous eyelashes as a symbol of delicacy and sensuality. This association has been reinforced since the 20th century with the popularization of mascara, and intensified by the media and social media—where enlarged eyes are often used as a marker of "idealized feminine beauty."

However, this ideal isn't just aesthetic—it's also symbolic . Image psychology shows that long eyelashes widen the gaze , and this communicates two subtle messages: emotional accessibility and visual magnetism . It's as if the gaze gains more "voice." A study by QM Beautique points out that this eye prominence is linked to the search for self-confidence and a more visible emotional expression—"long eyelashes make the gaze speak louder."

Cultural influence and the role of the media

Contemporary culture has amplified the idea that “striking eyes” are synonymous with beauty and power. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have popularized the look of intense, curled lashes, transforming what was once a makeup detail into a symbol of presence .

Long eyelashes have thus become a marker of social expression : a gesture of self-presentation and control over one's own image. The act of lengthening eyelashes — whether with mascara, eyelash curlers, eyelash lifts or extensions — connects to the idea of an impactful look , a kind of visual signature that reinforces security and femininity in a world hyper-exposed to image.

The psychology behind desire

The pursuit of long eyelashes isn't just about aesthetics, it's also about emotional and identity . Research in appearance psychology indicates that enhancing visual traits linked to facial expressiveness is related to social self-efficacy — the feeling of being "ready" to be seen and communicate.

Eyes, when highlighted, elicit a greater empathic response: more open gazes are perceived as more trustworthy, welcoming, and approachable. Thus, large eyelashes act as an unconscious reinforcement of emotional connection —a way of expressing presence and, in many cases, of feeling more secure.

The risk of exaggeration: when the look loses naturalness

While eyelashes help to enhance natural beauty, overdoing it can distort the harmony of the face . Excess volume or length compromises facial proportions and tends to create a heavy or artificial look , especially when it doesn't match the shape of the eyes, the look and the person's expression.

Additionally, there are physical risks: poorly applied extensions can cause irritation, allergies, and loss of natural eyelashes.

From an aesthetic point of view, balance continues to be the greatest symbol of refinement — and this also applies to eyelashes.

The visagism perspective: balance before trend

In visagism — a technique that seeks to align image and identity — the look is one of the most important areas of expression. Long eyelashes can harmonize the face when they are in tune with personal style, the shape of the eyes and the desired image . But when they are applied only as a reproduction of a pattern, the result is the opposite: the look loses authenticity and begins to reflect fashion more than the person .

The true beauty of eyelashes lies in the proportion, the intention and the coherence between form and message.

Conclusion

Long eyelashes are charming because they widen the gaze — and the gaze is one of the most profound forms of human expression. But, like everything in personal image, beauty lies in balance : what communicates authenticity, not just trendiness.

The look speaks — and the eyelashes should only help that voice express itself, not shout.

📚 References

• What Impression Do Long Eyelashes Make? – Psychology Today (2023)

• The Fascinating Psychology Behind Our Obsession With Eyelashes – QM Beautique

• Boosting Confidence With Eyelash Extensions – Unilashus

• The True and False of Eyelashes – Women in Optometry (2021)

• Eyelash – Wikipedia