The History of Makeup

Introduction

• The history of makeup spans at least 7,000 years and is present in almost every society of earth. Makeup originated on the basis of archaeological evidence from ancient Egypt and Greece.

• The word cosmetic is derived from Greek word "KOSMETICOS" which means skilled in ordering or arranging. Cosmetics products are compounds used in beauty care products that improves the human body looks and odor.

• Long ago, makeup was a mirror reecting values, creativity, and the culture of human civilization. Indeed, the evolution story of makeup mirrors the history of its colorful diversity in the products we use today. Let us see how makeup evolved throughout centuries, combining changing fashion trends, belief shifts, and technological developments.

In Ancient Times : Egyptians (4000 BCE)

︎Egypt: The Originators of Beauty

• Egyptians did not use cosmetics solely for aesthetic reasons; besides aesthetic appeal, cosmetics also served spiritual and practical needs.

︎Kohl

• Kohl was used for eye makeup to protect against the sun and evil spirits. Kohl was made from lead sulphide.

︎Henna

• It was applied for body art and hair dye.

︎Mesopotamia: Iridescent Splendor

• In Mesopotamian civilizations, women wore masks of crushed gemstones to decorate their faces.

• Fragrant perfumes and oils were extremely important in grooming rituals, which established appearance and status.

Ancient Asia: Delicately Elegant

• The Chinese achieved light-colored skin with rice powder and considered it an indicator of nobility and renement.

• Geisha makeup, practised traditionally in Japan, depicts whites, crimson mouths, and dark eyebrows to dene ne beauty.

Greeks and Romans (1000 BCE - 500 CE)

︎Greece: Focus on Natural Beauty

• The Greeks were concerned with balance and proportion in facial structures, which dictated much of their beauty regimes.

• More Common Practices:

(i) White complexion powders made of lead.

(ii) Crushed berry potpourri used as blush and lip color.

(iii) Charcoal or soot to use outline eyes.

︎Rome: Extravagance

• Romans emphasized considerably elaborate makeup traditions, emphasizing social status.

• Common Practices:

(i) Bold eyes added deeper layers of kohl and soot.

(ii) Lip tints using the dregs of wine and berries.

(iii) Social Signicance: Cosmetics were applied as a status symbol, and the rich used imported cosmetology and expensive treatments.

︎Face Powder

• Greek women used white lead and chalk for a pale complexion.

︎Red Orcher

• It was used as a rouge for cheeks.

︎Kohl

It was continued use for eye makeup.

Middle Ages (500 - 1500 CE)

Blooming Beauty of Aesthetics

• The Renaissance witnessed a renaissance in beauty through art, literature, and the revival of culture.

Trendster Glimpses

•Pale Skin: White powders, composed of lead and used for pale skin. Having pale skin was considered fairly popular in most European societies. White makeup and lead-based powders were also helpful in achieving the desired look, although they were obviously hazardous and gained popularity mostly for their ability to provide a pale, sophisticated appearance.

︎•Natural Beauty: Preference for natural look was common, but some used herbal remedies for skin.

• Cheeks and lips were reddened with berry or insect extract.

• Hairpieces and wigs began to be worn as part of the makeup look.

•Health Risks: These products may have been popular, but most of these beauty potions had proved toxic.

Renaissance (14th - 17th Century)

Baroque Extravagance

• Makeup actually became a very integral part of aristocratic life throughout the Baroque period.

Characteristics

• Highly decorative face beauty patches, often on velvet or silk, placed onto the face.

• Overuse of perfumes, compensating for lesser bathing.

︎• Red and Pink Pigments: Brightly rouged cheeks and lips. Conventially, the maximum available resources of pink and red pigments had been berries, minerals, and beetles along with cochineal. Most cultures used these pigments to emphasize face features and provide coloration to skin.

︎• Eyebrows: The appearance of a higher forehead, which was regarded as a sign of intelligence and attractiveness, was frequently achieved by shaving or plucking the eyebrows.

In 18th Century

Victorian Restraint

• The Victorian era was minimalistic in beauty with Queen Victoria at the helm.

Key Features

• Natural rosy cheeks thanks to subtle staining for example beet juice.

• Skincare with creams and balms became important, and a healthy glow outweighed dramatic makeup for skin texture.

︎• Eye Makeup: In the 18th century, kohl remained a famous choice for eye make-up, typically used to define and darken the eyes. Eyeshadows made from minerals, such as lead or mercury based compounds, were brought to use colour to the eyelids, developing a extra decorative look.

In 19th Century

The Emergence of Contemporary Cosmetics

Early 1900s: The Advent of Commercial Cosmetics

• This led to the evolution of camera-friendly cosmetics through the emergence of film and photography.

Innovations

• Compact powders and lipstick entered the mainstream.

• Brands like Max Factor and Maybelline revolutionized beauty by offering accessible and affordable products.

︎• Natural Look: The ideal beauty was a natural look, but cosmetics were used discreetly.

︎• Reddish Pigments: It was used for lips and cheeks, often in the form of lip tints and rouge.

In 1920's

Bold and Rebellious Flappers

• Dramatic makeup trends emerged during the Roaring 19s, and women boldly embraced their individuality.

Notable Looks

• Narrow arched eyebrows: Compact mirrors became fashionable, emphasizing the importance of touch-ups.

• Bold Makeup: The flapper era adopted bold lipstick colors, dramatic eye makeup, red lipstick and kohl liner respectively.

In 1930's

︎• The flapper era adopted bold lipstick colors and light eye makeup respectively. Dark red lipstick, light kohl & pencil,thin eyebrows were a popular feature in 1930's makeup.

In 1940's

︎• Eyebrows were worn fairly natural looking and arches were well groomed.While some hair was removed, they were not tweezed to extreme thinness, preserving a more natural shape.

In 1950's

︎• The 1950's witnessed the discovery of tube mascara with a wand; Max Factor and Helena Rubinstein each claim credit score for this product invention.

• Eyebrows were dark and strong with pencil being used to fill in and define the shape.The thickness varied from medium to very thick.

• The most striking feature of a 1950s makeup look was the lips. Red lipstick varied from true-red through to deep and dark brown-based colors, to more orange based. Lipstick also came in shades of pink, orange tones and coral colors.

• In 1950, the market was first exposed to the long-lasting lipstick.

The Hollywood Glamour

• The rise of glamorous makeup artists like Marilyn Monroe motivated a golden-tinted look developed in the 1950s.

Key Trends

• Dened eyeliner and winged tips.

• Matte, Flawless Face.

• Vibrant red lips became the hallmark of femininity.

In 1960's

︎• In this era cat eyes makeup disappeared but false eyelashes were incredibly popular accessory of the decade.

• Corals, pinks and peach were the fashionable colors as well as beige-pink nudes shade lipsticks.

• Lipsticks were typically bullet-shaped, rounded at the point, and came in tubes.

• Heavy eye makeup consisted white eyeshadow on the eyelids and graphic eyeliner.

In 1970's

• ︎In this era, bronzer Super shiny lip gloss gained a lot of popularity, especially among young girls and teenagers.

• Natural and Bohemian Styles was Emphasized on a more natural look with earth tones and minimal makeup.

In 1980's

︎• Bold Color,Bright eyeshadows, heavy blush, natural eyebrows and strong lip colors became very popular in 1980's.

• Cosmetic Innovations : Introduction of long-wear and waterproof formulas.

In 1990's

• No longer was the bright and colorful in like the 80's.

• Women were looking to have a model-esque look with a love for neutral colors and lots of contouring.

• Popular shades of lipsticks were matte reds, mauve, plum, browns, and dark berry colors which was applied along with a soft brown lip liner.

In 20th Century

In 2000's

A Verve of Trends

• This was a time of natural and glamorous trends. Mineral makeup saw the emergence of natural skin products.

• Diversity and Inclusivity: Growth of shades and products for a variety of skin tones.

• Eco-Friendly Products: Rise of natural and cruelty-free makeup brands.

• Lipgloss, juicy, shimmering, pouty lips were seen everywhere from music videos to TV shows with the most popular shades being easy to wear pinks and nudes shade with lots of golden shimmer.

2010s: Beauty Meets Social Media

• Usage and application were revolutionized with Instagram and YouTube.

• Contouring and highlighters have become the norm with influencers and celebrities.

• Bold brows and luscious lips are in trend.

• Brands such as Fenty Beauty believe in the idea of inclusivity to feature shades for every color of the skin.

2020s: Sustainability and Self-Expression

• Technology including virtual try-on apps and personalized products, continues to change the beauty industry.

Sustainable and Ecofriendly Products

• Sustainable and ecofriendly products is the quest of consumers.

Individuation

• Individuality is celebrated through different trends from no makeup looks to very rich, experimental styles.

The Future of Makeup

• Innovation and inclusivity are the future of makeup. With the advancement of technology, we can look forward to some groundbreaking developments, from personalized solutions powered by AI to the environment-friendliest formulations. Makeup would only continue to be a tool of self-expression where one's beauty transcends individuality.

Importance of Makeup

• Make up helps to enhance and highlight the facial features.

• It covers, conceals and corrects any skin discoloration, imperfection or problem.

• Our personalities are enhanced and our confidence is boosted by makeup.

Conclusion

• The history of makeup is an extensive cultural tapestry of technological progress and artistic expression through the ages. From ancient rituals to contemporary trends, it tells of humanity's enduring interest in beauty. Understanding its origin and evolution can help appreciate artistry and science behind every modern beauty product.

FAQs

1. When did people first begin using makeup?

The earliest recorded use of makeup was in ancient Egypt, about 3100 BCE. Makeup was applied extensively for various uses-most notably, eyeshadow was made with green malachite, kohl lined the eyes, and to color the cheeks and lips, red ochre was applied.

2. How was makeup used in ancient times?

Makeup had different uses among ancient peoples:

• Spiritual Use: The Egyptians used kohl to ward off evil spirits.

• Social Status Indicator: In ancient China and Rome, pale skin was a symbol of wealth and high social status.

• Beauty Rituals: Gemstones, natural pigments, and oils were used to enhance beauty.

3. What have been some of the ingredients used in makeup throughout history?

Ancient Egypt: Minerals like galena (kohl) and malachite, as well as natural dyes.

Greece and Rome: Ingredients such as lead based powders, mulberries, and wine residues.

Asian Cultures: Rice powder and herbal dyes from plants and flowers.

4. What was makeup during the Middle Ages like?

During the Middle Ages, cosmetics were worn sparingly since the Church believed that heavy makeup indicated vanity and sin. People used herbs to subtly make themselves look better, and it was usual for people to have pale skin since pale skin was symbolic of status.

5. Why was so much lead a part of makeup? What did it do?

Lead was often used for the development of powders that provided a pale complexion, which was a symbol of affluence in many societies. Unfortunately, long-term use resulted in some very severe health issues, such as skin damage and lead poisoning.