Let’s take a break from the beauty techniques and tricks and learn some intriguing makeup facts! Makeup has a long history, and some days, I’m not sure what I’d do without it! I don’t want to give you a history lesson about beauty products. But I thought it would be fun to study some of the lesser-known facts about cosmetics and learn more about one of our favourite hobbies!
I. Something is fishy.
II. Word Fun
III. Makeup Origins
IV. Alabama Beauty
V. Mother of Tan
VI. Hairdo or Dye
VII. Natural Nail Polish.
VIII. No Makeup Madness
IX. Lethal Lashes
X. Teeth Whitener.
Something’s fishy
Let’s begin this list of makeup facts with some information regarding shimmer. Do you notice how some cosmetic products, such as lipstick and nail polish, have a glitter and shine to them? I bet you’ll never guess where it comes from: fish scales! Yes, ladies, we may thank our fishy buddies for letting us wear the FDA-approved sparkle on our eyes and toes!
Word Fun
When I tell you about this next makeup fact, it makes me think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Toula’s father’s fixation with the origins of popular words! Did you know that “cosmetic” is derived from the Greek word kosmos, which meaning “of this world” or “worldly”? Sephora likewise earned its name by combining the Greek word sephos for “beauty” and the Greek Old Testament name Zipporah!
Makeup Origins
Have you ever wondered about the original cosmetics product and who created all this makeup madness? The origins of makeup have long been attributed to the ancient Egyptians, who lined their eyes and lashes in black, but it can also be traced back to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Alabaster Beauty
This following makeup fact will shock all of the ladies who enjoy tanning, but it is real! In the Middle Ages, having pale skin was associated with beauty and high class. Many women are said to have gone to great lengths to achieve a pale complexion, such as bleeding out with leeches or slashing a vein!
“Enhancing your beauty doesn’t always mean going for the glossy look. More ladies now see the allure of a shine-free finish. With the right tools and techniques, you can also achieve a flawless, subtle glow. Learn how to master this trend by following these incredible matte makeup tutorials. Enhance your natural complexion without the unnecessary flash.”
Mother of Tan
Tans did not become popular until 1920, when Coco Chanel accidentally got sunburnt while on a cruise to the French Riviera. Coco Chanel is widely regarded as the originator of the sun tanning trend. Fake tanning was expected to follow the sun tanning trend shortly after!
Hairdo or dye
These days, dying our hair any colour we like is as simple as going to your local beauty supply or pharmacy, or going to the hairdresser. Back in ancient Rome, if a woman wanted to dye her hair black, she had to mix leeches and vinegar and leave it to ferment for two months before applying it to her hair for a full day to dye it!
Natural Nail Polish
Natural nail paint is gaining popularity as people become more aware of the substances in their beauty products. In fact, the demand for natural and organic nail polish has increased by 78% in the last year alone. Plant-based oils and extracts, mineral pigments, and water-based formulae are some of the most commonly utilised natural ingredients in nail polish. Furthermore, many natural nail polishes do not include dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, or phthalates. These substances have been related to many health issues, including hormone disruption and allergic reactions. By using natural nail polish, you may safeguard your health while still having beautiful, long-lasting nails.
No Makeup Madness
It may be difficult to believe, but cosmetics was once thought to be only for prostitutes, actresses, working-class women, and women with questionable morals. Needless to say, many upper-class ladies chose to go makeup-free to avoid being mistaken for a performance or call girl!
Victorian culture had a strict moral compass that clearly defined the boundaries of acceptability, especially for women. Natural beauty was cherished, and the idea of improving one’s looks was frequently frowned upon. This belief system was founded on the premise that a woman’s virtue was inextricably linked to her modesty and simplicity. Thus, a fresh-faced, unadorned appearance was more than just a fashion statement; it was also a representation of one’s social level and moral standing. However, some women discovered subtle ways to cheat this ideal, such as squeezing their cheeks for colour or biting their lips to enhance their natural colour.
Lethal Lashes
Mascara is one of my go-to beauty products. It quickly makes me appear more alert and opens my eyes. However, I had no idea waterproof mascara had such shady origins! Waterproof mascara is reported to have been initially introduced in 1938, with one of its primary constituents being turpentine, which is commonly used to thin paint!
Tooth Whitener
It has been said that ancient Romans utilised an unusual procedure to whiten their teeth during the time. We can easily go to the drugstore and get some bleaching strips, but in ancient Rome and other areas of the world, some people utilised pee therapy to whiten their teeth by brushing and gargling with it!
