The first time I did makeup for a Jane Austen production, the director took one look at my lashes and said, "She looks like she's going to a club, not a ballroom." I had spent 20 minutes carefully applying what I thought were "subtle" lashes. They were not.

Period costumes demand a different kind of beauty — one that reads as authentic to the era, not to a 2025 beauty counter. But here's the secret: you can absolutely wear lashes in a period setting. You just need the right style, length, and application technique.

Here's what I've learned from years of theatre makeup — and how you can get historically inspired eyes WITHOUT sacrificing comfort or modern lash technology.

THE PROBLEM WITH MODERN LASHES IN PERIOD SETTINGS

Modern lashes are designed to make eyes look bigger, wider, and more dramatic. That's exactly what you don't want in a period piece. Historically, makeup was about looking healthy and natural — not enhanced. The result is that most modern lashes read as "costume" in the wrong way.

The biggest offenders:

• Heavy volume lashes with dense, uniform fans
• Jet-black, shiny bands that catch stage light
• Overly long lashes (14mm+) that dominate the face

ERA-BY-ERA: WHICH LASHES WORK (AND WHICH DON'T)

Regency Era (1810s–1820s): Natural, barely-there lashes. Think soft brown or dark brown, wispy, no volume. Length around 7–9mm. The goal is "she woke up like this" — but with better skin.

Victorian Era (1830s–1900s): Eyes were considered the focal point. Softly defined lashes with a slight curl. Avoid anything spiky. A natural cat-eye shape works beautifully.

Edwardian Era (1900s–1910s): Minimal makeup, natural lashes. Keep it clean and soft. No dramatic wings or volume.

1920s: The first era where lashes became dramatic. Doll-like, spiky lashes — think Clara Bow. But they were still thin, not voluminous. Individual spikes or light wispy pairs work best.

1940s: Defined, curled, and slightly glamorous. A soft winged lash shape reads perfectly for wartime-era productions.

THE 3 RULES OF PERIOD-ACCURATE LASHES

1. Texture matters more than length. A 9mm lash with natural spikes reads as "real." A 9mm lash with uniform density reads as "modern."
2. Color should be brown, not black. Black lashes didn't exist in most historical periods. Dark brown was the closest equivalent and photographs beautifully.
3. The band should disappear. A visible band breaks the illusion instantly. Choose lash styles with thin, invisible bands.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN PERIOD-FRIENDLY LASHES

When you're shopping for lashes for a period production, here's your checklist:

• Wispy or spiky styles — not volume or dense fans
• Brown or black-brown shades — not jet black
• Lengths under 11mm — unless it's a 1920s or 1940s piece
• Thin, flexible bands — so they disappear on stage and screen

Era	Lash Style	Length	Color
Regency	Natural wispy	7–9mm	Dark brown
Victorian	Soft curl	8–10mm	Brown
1920s	Spiky doll	9–11mm	Black-brown
1940s	Winged glamour	10–12mm	Black-brown

Frequently Asked Questions

What lashes look natural for a period drama?

Wispy, brown-toned lashes under 11mm look most natural for period settings. Avoid volume lashes and shiny bands.

Did people wear makeup in the Regency era?

Yes, but it was minimal and natural-looking. A light dusting of powder, a bit of color on the cheeks, and naturally defined lashes were the norm.

Can I wear modern lashes in a period costume?

Yes, if you choose the right style. Thin, wispy, brown lashes with invisible bands work perfectly. Save the dramatic volume for modern looks.

📚 Browse our complete library of lash guides →

📚 Browse our complete library of lash guides →