
These cosmetics were made by grinding ores like malachite and galena into a substance called kohl. It was then liberally applied around the eyes with utensils made out of wood, bone and ivory. Women would also stain their cheeks with red paint and use henna to color their hands and fingernails, and both sexes wore perfumes made from oil, myrrh and cinnamon.
Who invented makeup first?
Which lipstick brand is best?
- Chambor.
- Revlon.
- NYX.
- Colorbar.
- Maybelline.
- L’Oreal. L’Oreal stands to be one of the most esteemed brands in the world.
- Lakme. The most popular Indian cosmetic brand owned by Hindustan Lever stands at number 1 in our country.
- MAC. MAC (Makeup Art Cosmetics) started in 1984 in Toronto.
Where did makeup originate?
While this toned-down look is admittedly very out of the box for Grande, her no-makeup-makeup was soft, simple, and perfect for your next date or night out on the town. The untrained eye may tell you Grande’s not wearing any makeup at all, especially with the slightly pixelated picture, but don’t be fooled.
What is the origin of makeup?
The Evolution of Beauty Standards Throughout History
- Ancient Times Beauty Standards. Ancient times appreciated independence and beauty. ...
- Middle Age and Renaissance Beauty Standards. This was a very interesting time period for beauty. ...
- Victorian Era Beauty Standards. In Victorian times, pale skin was still a beauty standard. ...
- 20th Century Beauty Standards. ...
- 21st Century (Present Day) Beauty Standards. ...
What is the history behind makeup?
“By the 1st century ad the Egyptian, Roman, Greek and Middle Eastern cultures had developed cosmetics such as powders to whiten the skin; kohl to darken the eyelids, eyelashes, and eyebrows; rouge for the cheeks…” ( Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 5, p. 196). Egyptian tombs represent the earliest recorded references to the use of makeup.

What was ancient makeup made of?
The earliest known users of makeup were the ancient Egyptians. They used many plants and minerals as makeup. Some of the most common ingredients were almonds, copper, lead, and ash. They also used oils to protect their skin from the Sun.
How was makeup used when originally invented?
The earliest historical record of makeup comes from the 1st Dynasty of Egypt (c. 3100-2907 BC). Tombs from this era have revealed unguent jars, which in later periods were scented. Unguent was a substance extensively used by men and women to keep their skin hydrated and supple and to avoid wrinkles from the dry heat.
How was makeup made in ancient Rome?
In terms of makeup, ancient Roman women had blush, eyeshadow (green or black), eyeliner (applied with a stick or needle made of either wood, glass, bone or ivory), but there is no mention of them colouring their lips or using lipstick.
How was medieval makeup made?
For flawless-looking skin, Renaissance noblewomen wore makeup containing white lead ore, vinegar, arsenic, hydroxide, and carbonate, applied to the face over egg whites. It gave them a silvery gleaming complexion, along with paralysis, madness, and death.
Who wore makeup first?
the ancient Egyptians– It all goes back to the ancient Egyptians, who were the first women to wear makeup. The Evolution Of: Makeup – Here's the history of humans and face paint.
What gender was makeup originally for?
menFor generations, makeup has been seen as a "girls-only" enterprise, so we forget that it wasn't always that way. For millennia, stretching from 4000 BCE through the 18th century, men traditionally used makeup in myriad ways. It wasn't until the mid-1800s that makeup was relegated to one end of the gender spectrum.
What did Greeks use for makeup?
Makeup in the Greek ancient culture was worn by high society daily. Many women would use eyeliner made with olive oil and charcoal to darken their eyes. This eyeliner was also used to create a thick brow, which was very popular at that time.
How did Romans wash their hair?
They used lye soap which is made by combining ashes with lard or other oils and fats. This kind of soap was known from ancient Egyptian times. It was customary in Rome to always wash your hair on August 13th in honor of Diana, but they washed it other times as well, obviously.
How did ancient Romans make themselves look beautiful?
The Ancient Romans also made creams and lotions to fight and hide wrinkles, pimples, sun spots, freckles and flaking. These masks were a mixture of lentels, barley, lupine, honey or fennel blended with oils, oregano seeds, sulphur, vinegar, goose grease, basil juice and hawthorn.
What was makeup made of in the 1600s?
The Great Cover Up In the 17th century, men and women used makeup to limited degree; ceruse was used as a base, and a cheek and lip reddeners were sometimes applied. From the late 1600s forward, makeup began to get heavier. First, white paint was applied, then white powder, then a brownish rouge, and red lip color.
How did they make makeup in the 1500s?
Women would use a mixture of white lead and vinegar called ceruse. They would apply this to their face,neck and bosom. They would also use uncooked egg whites to smooth their skin and hide wrinkles.
What was considered pretty in the 1400s?
"Women in the 1400s wanted to have high foreheads and an egg-shaped face, with small nose and lips. They saw this as resembling a child, innocent and pure," Hernandez explains. "It was truly a blank face, without much expression, since the hairline was tweezed to be very high and the eyebrows shaved off.
What is the history of makeup?
History of Makeup. From the copper and lead ore that the ancient Egyptians used to create the world's first cosmetics to the scientifically advanced products of today that can do everything from hide pores, smooth complexions, and turn the pale green of your eyes a vivid shade of emerald, makeup has been an integral part ...
What are some examples of cosmetics women use?
Women throughout history put their health at risk with many of their homemade cosmetics. In some cultures, for example, women used arsenic, lead, mercury, and even leeches to give themselves the pale appearance deemed beautiful in the old days.
Why did Egyptians use makeup?
It was used as a way to impress the gods and thus worn by both men and women. The most popular choices included dark colours on your eyes to fend off evil and a mixture for the original kohl eyeliner (made from a mix of anything from lead to ash, copper or even burnt almonds). Despite their religious motivations, many Egyptians quickly noticed the power of makeup over mere mortals as well. Before long it had reached other civilisations as a way to impress the opposite sex.
What was Queen Elizabeth's makeup?
Queen Elizabeth I was one of the first role models for wearing makeup. She popularised a stark white face that was easily achieved with a potent powder. This marked the beginning of more chemically based makeups that proved toxic. The mixture included white lead powder, water and vinegar. Frequent use caused the skin to whither which lead to applying more and more powder. However, increased use only increased its toxicity and hair loss or teeth falling out were common side effects.
What was the first time women wore red lipstick?
The early 1900s saw a carry on effect from the previous decades with makeup relegated to the morally questionable bracket. It was only worn by prostitutes and actresses – frequently considered the same thing. The first break in its reputation came from the Suffragettes. In their battle for equal recognition and the right to vote women donned red lipstick for a 1913 protest march. It marked the first time women had turned makeup into a symbol of empowerment and used it for their own goals.
What is the most important revelation in beauty this decade?
The most important revelation in beauty this decade was the move away from Hollywood actresses as the ultimate style symbols and towards models. The London Look was the trend on everyone’s lips and is epitomised by models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, who wore the first mini skirt to the Melbourne Cup in 1965. Makeup wise; lipstick is out and bold eye makeup is in. Turning away from previous eras it is now in vogue to wear lashes of mascara and a subtle, glossy lip.
Why did Egyptians paint their faces?
It was used as a way to impress the gods and thus worn by both men and women.
Was makeup banned during WW2?
Finally free from the rationing of WW2, fashion and cosmetic products are increasingly popular. Designing new products was strictly forbidden during the war as it wasted precious resources. With this ban lifted we see the creation of makeup tools still in use today like eyelash curlers and eyebrow stencils.
What did the Egyptians use to make their makeup?
History and Facts About Ancient Egyptian Makeup. ► Makeup was a daily routine for all ancient Egyptians, including their gods. Statues of gods and goddess were daily beautified with makeup, along with food offerings. Their eyes were outlined with black color kohl. ► They used red ochre to produce lip stain and blush.
When did makeup start?
The art of makeup dates to the Ancient Egyptian civilization as early as 4000 BCE. Let’s explore some more facts about ancient Egyptian cosmetics and makeup.
What did the ancient Egyptians use to strengthen their immune system?
Get in touch with us and we'll talk... Let's Work Together! ► Kohl used by ancient Egyptians had lead-based substances which promoted the production of nitric oxide in their skin, this in turn strengthen their immune system to fight diseases and ocular infections.
What are cosmetic powders made of?
► Cosmetic powders were made with 10 percent grease, probably geese fat, which allowed the powder to have some texture.
Did Egyptian women wear makeup?
Not only did their women wear makeup, but the men also painted themselves; in fact, even statues of gods and goddess were adorned with different types of makeup. Like modern women dress up and wear makeup to attract men, Egyptian women had a different mindset, they adorned themselves to please their god. Ancient Egyptians are known ...
How long has cosmetics been around?
History of Cosmetics – The history of cosmetics spans at least 7,000 years and is present in almost every society on earth. History of Makeup – Over the centuries, women used burnt matches to darken their eyes, berries to stain their lips and young boys' urine to fade their freckles.
Where did eyeshadow originate?
One of the earliest examples of the use of eyeshadow in the ancient world can be found in ancient Egypt. A substance known as kohl (made by grinding stibnite) was used to accentuate the eyes of royalty. In Egyptian culture, kohl allowed the Egyptians to emulate the appearance of their gods. Before long the trend spread to Rome and Greece where women began to wear eyeshadow for the sake of beauty (as opposed to religious reasons). Eventually, eyeshadow spread to India and Babylon where it was largely worn by high class women due to its high price.
What was the most popular cosmetic in Victorian times?
Eyepaint or as we know it, eyeshadow, was also a popular choice during the Victorian era though respectable women were very subtle with the amount of eyeshadow they used at any given time. Eye shadow – Eye shadow is a cosmetic that is applied on the eyelids and under the eyebrows.
What are the uses of berries in makeup?
Berries were used to darken lips, the ashes of burnt matches were used to darken eyes, and much more. Today, we have developed makeup for practically every application you can think of. From making eyes pop with eyeshadow palettes to hiding undesirable pores, makeup has come a long way (we even have vegan makeup).
What is the history of eyeshadow?
The History Of Eyeshadow – Eyeshadow is probably the most fun and expressive way to decorate your face. A Beginners Guide to Eye Makeup – We’ve all gone through that , not knowing what brush to use, where to apply eyeshadow, let alone how to blend properly.
What is makeup used for?
Since ancient times makeup has been used to enhance beauty . Take the ancient Egyptians for example who wore makeup made of lead ore and copper. Women of the ancient world were often innovative when it came to their cosmetic needs. Berries were used to darken lips, the ashes of burnt matches were used to darken eyes, and much more.
What colors did women wear in the 30s?
In the 30s American women were inundated with a wide variety of colors in their eyeshadows that included greens and soft pinks.
What was the first makeup?
Let’s take a look at some of the first makeup products that people used. 1. Perfume. Perfume nowadays is something fancy, but in Egypt in 10 000 BC women used scented oils and creams for hygiene reasons and to keep their skin soft and protect it from the harsh sun and dry winds. Lily, peppermint, lavender, rose and myrrh oils were also ...
Why is makeup important in ancient Egypt?
For example, in Ancient Egypt makeup played such an important role that makeup pots have been found even the most modest tombs, because Egyptians believed they would need it in their afterlife. Let’s take a look at some of the first makeup products that people used.
What was the first eyeshadow?
Even in ancient times Egyptians used malachite powder on their eyelids. They ground up this green mineral and adhered it to their eye area using oils or animal fat. It was essentially the first kind of eyeshadow.
What is henna paste used for?
It helped to keep hair and nails in good conditions, it was used to color hair dark or bright red, and henna paste was the most popular way of drawing decorations on the skin , plus it was believed to bring good fortune. Advertisements.
How to lighten hair naturally?
Women spend ages trying to lighten their hair. They soaked their hair in vinegar and lemon juice and set in the sun to lighten it naturally. Another way of bleaching hair was to apply a mixture of black Sulphur, alum, and honey onto hair and leave it in the sun to work its magic.
What was the first color for Chinese nails?
Nail Polish. Chinese people were the first to start coloring their fingernails. They used gum arabic, beeswax and egg white. The rich people usually chose red, gold and silver colors on their nails, while the lower classes were not allowed to stain their nails bright colors..
What was the first lipstick made of?
The first lipsticks were made out of red iron and ochre clay. They were rather crude and not exactly good for the lips, but they definitely provided that red lip. Later on, people started using olive oil and beeswax as the base for their lipstick. 8. Hair.
Who invented makeup and foundations?
Thus, began the history of using face powders and foundations to make skin look fairer. It was not only the Romans who established makeup and cosmetics with social class. In fact, the Egyptians did as well. That is where we saw the advent of nail paints.
Where did makeup brushes come from?
Find the types of makeup brushes with their uses here. The modern eyeliners that we wear on our eyes can be traced back to Egypt. Apparently, they were the ones who used Kohl on their eyes.
What is Maybelline mascara?
Mascara was something people were using anyway- using gel or more. However, you have heard the name Maybelline, and they were the first producers of what we see as Mascara nowadays. The brand is actually named Maybelline after the founder’s sister for whom he had made the mascara.
What countries made perfumes in 1200?
There was not much widespread buying and selling of makeup or cosmetic products. But, in 1200 Italy and France together proved to the most affluent when it came to cosmetics. They made perfumes- amazing ones and kept improving them. People would buy perfumes from them and they would export because they were so good at it.
Why do people use arsenic on their faces?
Often times they would use arsenic on their faces to whiten it. Needless to mention, this caused the users great harm and even death. Apparently, this had a lot to do with social class. The rich women in the society used to stay indoors most of the time which contributed to their pale skin.
Did Egyptians paint their nails?
Apparently, Egyptians used to take good care of their nails and paint it in different colors. Lowers classes were not allowed to use certain colors while there were fixed nail colors for different levels of royalty and castes. One look at their nails and you knew who they were: the benefits of a small population.
Did Cleopatra wear lipstick?
Cleopatra actually wore lipstick as well derived from ground carmine beetles. And, all these trends back then spread to Greece. The people in Greece put their attention to beautification as well. Now, the Romans became quite racist in this case.
Where did makeup originate?
To understand the origin of makeup, we must travel back in time about 6,000 years. We get our first glimpse of cosmetics in ancient Egypt, where makeup served as a marker of wealth believed to appeal to the gods. The elaborate eyeliner characteristic of Egyptian art appeared on men and women as early as 4000 BCE.
What is the makeup use in Roman poetry?
Deriding makeup users is a common theme in Roman poems and comic plays (though theatrical performers constituted one of the few classes of people expected to use cosmetics), and admonitions against makeup appear in the personal writings of Roman doctors and philosophers.
What is the connection between cosmetics and wickedness?
In 2 Kings the evil queen Jezebel exemplifies the connection between cosmetics and wickedness, being described as having “painted her eyes and adorned her head” before her death at the behest of the warrior Jehu (though Jezebel’s makeup use was not the impetus for her murder).
What did Stoics believe about beauty?
Stoics regarded beauty as intrinsically related to goodness. While an attractive physical form might be desirable, true “beauty” was instead associated with moral acts. Decorating the body with cosmetics implied a vanity or selfishness that, to Stoics, was undesirable.
What products were used by men and women to enhance their natural appearance?
Hygiene products such as bath soaps, deodorants, and moisturizers were used by men and women, and women were encouraged to enhance their natural appearance by removing body hair, but makeup products such as rouge were associated with sex workers and hence were considered a sign of shamelessness.
What is the color of the eyeshadow in the Bible?
Kohl, rouge, white powders to lighten skin tone, and malachite eye shadow (the green colour of which represented the gods Horus and Re ) were all in popular use. Makeup is mentioned in the Bible too, in both the Jewish scriptures and the Christian Old Testament and New Testament.
What philosophy did Seneca the Younger believe in?
This Roman view of cosmetics was at least partially rooted in Stoicism, a philosophy that foregrounded moral goodness and human reason.

Ancient Egypt
Ancient Romans
- When makeup became popular with the Ancient Romans they were most likely using it to enhance their appearance for other Romans. Therefore, they were much more inclined to choose a natural look with simple rouge and lip colours to provide a healthy flush. Anything too obvious – such as non-natural colours – would be frowned upon.
Medieval Times
- As the power of makeup to disguise and enhance became more well-known it was relegated to the domain of untoward women. Prostitutes would frequently layer it on to hide their age and thus the Church decreed makeup to be deceptive and sinful. But this didn’t stop ladies from playing with cosmetics. They simply continued the natural trend set by the Romans.
16th Century
- Queen Elizabeth I was one of the first role models for wearing makeup. She popularised a stark white face that was easily achieved with a potent powder. This marked the beginning of more chemically based makeups that proved toxic. The mixture included white lead powder, water and vinegar. Frequent use caused the skin to whither which lead to applying more and more powder. However, increased use only increased its toxicity and hair loss o…
19th Century
- The next Queen to make her mark on the makeup world decreed against it. In the mid 1800s, Queen Victoria labelled makeup as vulgar and yet again it was the domain of untoward women. Ladies were still keen for the beautifying effects but opted for less conventional techniques. A rosy complexion – cheeks and lips – was the goal so it was common for women to pinch their cheeks and bite their lips for a blood-red flush.
1900s
- The early 1900s saw a carry on effect from the previous decades with makeup relegated to the morally questionable bracket. It was only worn by prostitutes and actresses – frequently considered the same thing. The first break in its reputation came from the Suffragettes. In their battle for equal recognition and the right to vote women donned red lipstick for a 1913 protest march. It marked the first time women had turned makeup into a s…
1920s
- The rise of the Hollywood film star during the roaring 20s saw makeup finally coming into its own. It was mass-produced and sold so women could replicate the looks of their favourite stars. But it was still a very secret indulgence and most women sent away for their makeup and did their best not to display it publicly. It would be a long time before we had the variety of stores and brands as we do today.
1930s
- During ancient eras and throughout many decades afterwards, makeup was something that both men and women could experiment with. As mass-marketing and commercialisation of makeup took hold the 1930s defined it as a feminine past time. Pencil thin eyebrows have their heyday and Hollywood glamour reaches its peak as a trend-setting style.
1940s
- Another World War couldn’t keep women away from their newfound obsession. Portable or ‘on the go’ makeup in compacts is the biggest seller of the decade as it allows women to take it to work and touch up anywhere. Bright lips, especially red tones, were officially deemed part of the war effort in the US. They believed sending lipstick kisses on letters to men at the front was a good way to keep morale high.
1950s
- Finally free from the rationing of WW2, fashion and cosmetic products are increasingly popular. Designing new products was strictly forbidden during the war as it wasted precious resources. With this ban lifted we see the creation of makeup tools still in use today like eyelash curlers and eyebrow stencils. Pink and feminine is the only way to describe this decade. The rise of a creamy ‘mask’ trend for faces saw liquid foundation adorning every be…