When we do our beauty routine in the morning, we don’t usually think about facts concerning cosmetics. Knowing facts about cosmetics will help you understand how the beauty industry works nowadays. You’ll also see how blessed we are to have things that aren’t poisonous! This is a short history of cosmetics.
Ancient Egyptians
There are a lot of interesting facts regarding cosmetics. For example, did you know that Cleopatra and the ancient Egyptians were some of the first people to utilise them? Egyptians used Kohl, a cream prepared from sheep fat, powdered lead or antimony, and soot, to fill in their brows and line their eyes. Ancient Egyptians also used baths in milk and honey to make their skin softer and more beautiful all over!
The Egyptians of long ago employed henna to colour their hair and nails, and scented oils and perfumes to make themselves seem better. They also used castor oil to keep their skin moist and safe from the sun. The Egyptians also used red ochre to make blush and rouge. People thought that using makeup had spiritual and health benefits, not only for looks. For instance, Egyptians would apply eye makeup to keep the sun out of their eyes and keep bad spirits away. They also thought that using makeup may make them look younger and more beautiful.
Greeks and Romans
Around 100 A.D., the Romans used wine as a cheek stain and chalk to paint their cheeks and bodies to get a pale, whitish look. They even made acne medicine by mixing butter and barley flour. The Romans also dyed their hair, but they used lye, which made a lot of people lose their hair and have to wear wigs. The Greeks used vermillion and berry juice to colour their lips and cheeks. They used black incense to make their lashes darker.
People in ancient Egypt used kohl to highlight their eyes and henna to tint their nails and hair. People in the Far East used beeswax and rice powder to make their skin whiter. Women in ancient Rome used powders that contained lead to make their skin lighter and more beautiful. A lot of ladies in the Middle Ages used a mix of arsenic and vinegar to get a light skin tone. Women in the Victorian era used a mix of white lead and mercury to make their skin look lighter. The beauty industry made cosmetics popular in the 20th century by making a lot of different items for the modern woman. Cosmetics are used today to make people look more appealing and improve their beauty.
The Middle Ages
many wanted to be pale in the Middle Ages, while today many want to be tan. Women wanted to be pale so strongly that they let themselves be painted or even bled to get the colourless look. During this time, tattoos and coloured eyeshadow, like blues, greens, greys, and browns, became trendy.
The 15th and 16th Centuries
Only the royal family and their court used makeup during this time. some in France were starting to like perfumes, and some were using whitening chemicals on their faces. Carbonate, hydroxide, and lead oxide were among of the substances in whitening solutions. These chemicals built up in the body and caused medical problems that could lead to muscle paralysis or death.
“Making yourself more beautiful doesn’t always imply aiming for the shiny look. More women are now interested in a finish that doesn’t shine. You may also get a perfect, soft glow with the correct tools and methods. Follow these great matte makeup tutorials to learn how to perfect this style. “Make your skin look better without the extra flash.”
The 1800s
In the 1800s, most people of all social groups wore makeup, yet many items still had harmful chemicals in them. Mercuric sulphide and belladonna were two toxic chemicals in eyeshadows and lip tints. Zinc oxide was first used as a face powder to replace arsenic versions that were harmful.
The 1900
The commercial cosmetics sector grew a lot during the 1900s. Eugène Rimmel, a French chemist and perfumer, invented mascara in 1913 that came in the same kind of packaging we use today. The product was a little messy and didn’t always work, but it was safe and grew popular all across Europe. When T.L. Williams made a comparable package for his new company, Maybelline, mascara became popular all over the world. Women used makeup to show who they were in the late 1900s. Women wore makeup that fit their style and taste, and they didn’t always follow the latest trends
Now
The beauty and cosmetics industries make more than $20 billion a year and are always growing. The focus is on looking young and fighting ageing. People like a wide range of makeup styles, from natural to dramatic and theatrical.
