‘When Calls The Heart’ Fans Outraged by Historical Errors

As When Calls the Heart heads into production for its thirteenth season, the spotlight isn’t just on the upcoming storylines or character developments—it’s on eyelashes. Yes, eyelashes.

While Hallmark’s beloved period drama continues to tug at hearts and stir emotions, a growing number of diehard viewers—affectionately known as “Hearties”—have shifted their attention to a far less romantic subject: the show’s increasingly modern makeup choices. And they’re not holding back.

A Period Drama… with Mascara?

The criticism came to a head recently in an online fan forum post titled “What’s up with the lashes?” One fan wrote:

“Did a rewatch to catch up and just started s12 today. What’s happening with the lashes?? I love how they gently shift the wardrobe towards 1920’s America. But the lashes and eyebrows?? OMG. They throw me off and I hate that, this is supposed to be my guilty pleasure show ”

The comment struck a chord. Fans flooded the thread with responses that ranged from humorous resignation to outright frustration.

“Just ignore it! I had to when the entire town had perfectly curled hair pre the salon on a regular day ”

“I think the hair and makeup has always been historically inaccurate on this show. I’m so used to it that I don’t pay attention to that anymore.”

“Changes have been happening rapidly, they went from being pretty close to accurate with the bad wigs and modesty to something polar opposite now.”

To some, the subtle nods to evolving fashion in the 1920s are welcome. But for others, the glaringly modern makeup—especially in a setting that’s supposed to reflect a simpler, rural life—feels like a distraction.

A (Very Pretty) Creative License

It’s worth noting that mascara did exist during the time period depicted in When Calls the Heart. The question isn’t whether it was around, but whether it was likely that a small-town schoolteacher in a post-frontier community would be sporting magazine-cover lashes.

Historically, makeup was far less common outside urban centers, especially for women in modest professions. Still, the show has always leaned more toward idealized nostalgia than strict accuracy, and fans seem to accept that—up to a point.

As one fan aptly put it: “I’m so used to it that I don’t pay attention to that anymore.”

Costumes Carry the Spirit—If Not the Facts

Despite the makeup controversy, fans have much to look forward to as Season 13 begins filming. According to costume designer Barbara Gregusova, fittings are already underway ahead of the official July 1 production start.

Gregusova recently took to Instagram to give followers a peek behind the curtain. One tidbit: Andrea Brooks, who was pregnant during the last season’s fittings, is now able to wear pieces from her pre-pregnancy wardrobe.

That wardrobe, however, is getting a 1920s update—shorter skirts, period-appropriate shoes, and yes, new hairstyles.

The costume team is leaning deeper into the era’s style, even if the show continues to take creative liberties with historical accuracy.

Looking Ahead

Whatever the debates around lashes and liner, When Calls the Heart remains one of Hallmark’s most enduring franchises—and one that fans still flock to, even if they sometimes have to squint past the mascara.

Season 13 is set to premiere in 2026, and for many Hearties, that’s more than enough reason to stick around—eyelash curlers and all.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening on When Calls the Heart right now. Come back here often for all When Calls the Heart spoilers, news, and updates.