Watch Smarter is Slate’s series that teaches you to spot hidden tropes in pop culture and beyond. Watch all episodes.
False eyelashes have been a Hollywood makeup trade secret for decades now. But lately, they’ve gotten bolder, and more noticeable, on TV and in movies. Why? And how can you spot the difference?
In this video, we explain the long history of enhanced eyes in Hollywood and why lately actresses have found them especially hard to resist.
More Watch Smarter episodes:
How to Tell If a Singer Is Lip-Syncing
The Hidden Formula Behind Almost Every Joke on Late Night
The Tricks Movies Use to Avoid Sex and Swearing Rules From the MPAA