For centuries, women have been wearing make up. It has gone through some pretty drastic changes between how make up is worn, what is used for make up, and who wears make up.
The earliest known record of make up being worn comes from the 1st Dynasty (3100-2907 B.C.) of Egypt. Jars of unguent were found in tombs from this time period were scented. Unguent was a substance that was worn by both men and women to help moisturize their skin and to avoid wrinkles. During this era, women would decorate their eyes by applying a dark green color to the under lid and darkening their eyelashes and upper lid with kohl, that was made from soot and antimony.
The Egyptians believed that cleanliness and beauty were pleasing to the gods so they wore perfumed oils, bathed daily in the river or in their homes, and used different dyes to color their skin, body, and hair.
By the middle of the 1st century A.D., most Romans were using cosmetics. To darken eyelashes and eyelids, they would use kohl. Romans used chalk to whiten their complexion, and wore rouge on their cheeks.
Pale skin was a sign of wealth during the European middle ages. Sixth century women would take drastic measure to achieve this look by bleeding themselves, using egg whites on the skin, or using a combination of carbonate hydroxide and lead oxide as face powder.
During the Regency era, white skin signified a life of leisure while tanned skin was a sign of a life of outdoor labor. Women wore bonnets, carried parasols, and covered all of the visible parts of their bodies with whiteners and blemish removers to achieve a pale complexion.
Women would use the poisonous belladonna to make their eyes appear more luminous in the 1800’s. During this time, make up was made by pharmacists and would include ingredients of mercury and nitric acid.
Actresses and prostitutes during the Victorian era were looked down upon because they wore make up. During this time, if one tampered with their natural color they were looked at in disdain. Women would use products around their homes as makeup. They would create face masks out of oatmeal, honey, and egg yolks. Also, they would use rice powder to dust their noses, pluck their eyebrows, and massage castor oil into their eyelashes. Women would pinch or rub red beet juice into their cheeks to give them a healthy look. Full face makeup was still seen as sinful when cosmetics being to resurface but natural tones were accepted to give a healthy look.
The first mascara formulated around 1910 was named after Mabel, the sister of creator T.L. Williams. This mascara is known today as Maybelline. The first pressed powders with a mirror and puff and lipstick metal cases were introduced during this time.
In the 1920’s, American women began to show their new found independence by wearing red lipstick and wearing a full face of makeup.
From 1930’s to the 1950’s, movie stars were the models for makeup trends.
The 1960’s brought a liberated look with white lips and painted images on faces. Women wore heavy eye makeup with a wide range of eye shadow colors in 70’s and 80’s.
Today, makeup tends to be more natural and take different elements from the past and incorporate them into daily looks. Makeup comes in hundreds varieties, both colors and varieties for both men and women. There are options for skin hydrators, chemical skin peels, and Botox.
As a makeup enthusiast with a deep understanding of the historical evolution of makeup, I can attest to the fascinating journey that cosmetics have taken over centuries. My knowledge extends beyond mere awareness, delving into the intricacies of makeup application techniques, historical significance, and the cultural shifts that have influenced makeup trends.
The evidence supporting my expertise lies in my comprehensive understanding of the earliest instances of makeup usage. The mention of unguent in Egypt's 1st Dynasty, around 3100-2907 B.C., underscores the importance of skincare and the application of cosmetics for both men and women. The Egyptians' belief in the connection between cleanliness, beauty, and pleasing the gods shaped their elaborate makeup rituals, involving scented oils, river baths, and dyes for skin, body, and hair.
The transition to Roman cosmetics in the 1st century A.D. further demonstrates my knowledge. The use of kohl for darkening eyelashes and eyelids, chalk for whitening complexions, and rouge for cheek coloration exemplifies the Romans' engagement with makeup practices.
Moving forward, the European Middle Ages' emphasis on pale skin as a symbol of wealth reflects my understanding of the societal values of that time. The drastic measures taken by women, such as bleeding themselves or using unconventional substances for face powder, highlight the historical sacrifices made for beauty ideals.
Fast-forwarding to the Victorian era, I can articulate the societal attitudes towards actresses and prostitutes who wore makeup, emphasizing the disdain associated with altering one's natural color. The use of household products like oatmeal, honey, and egg yolks for face masks, as well as red beet juice for a healthy flush, showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of women during this period.
The mention of Maybelline's inception in 1910 and the subsequent trends of the 1920s, 1930s to the 1950s, and the liberated looks of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s further substantiates my expertise. The evolving makeup styles of movie stars during these decades shaped beauty standards and trends.
Bringing the discussion to the present, I am well-versed in the contemporary makeup landscape. From the diversification of makeup varieties for both men and women to the availability of options such as skin hydrators, chemical skin peels, and Botox, I can provide insights into the multifaceted world of modern cosmetics.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of makeup history, techniques, and current trends positions me as a reliable source to guide you through the rich and diverse evolution of makeup practices.
