Historical record of makeup
The earliest historical record of makeup comes from the 1st Dynasty of Egypt (c.3100-2907 BC).
The women of Egypt also decorated their eyes by applying dark green color to the under lid and blackening the lashes and the upper lid with kohl, which was made from antimony (a metallic element) or soot. It is believed that the Jews adopted the use of makeup from the Egyptians.
Roman philosopher Plautus (254-184 BC) wrote, “A woman without paint is like food without salt.”
Cosmetics were seen as a health threat in Elizabethan England, although women wore egg whites over their faces for a glazed look.
During the reign of Charles II, heavy makeup began to surface as a means to contradict the pallor from being inside due to illness epidemics.
The most dangerous beauty aids during this time were white lead and
mercury. Hair dye was made from coal tar, which is now illegal in America.
It might interest you to know that men wore makeup until the 1850’s. George IV spent a fortune on cold cream, powders, pastes, and scents. The real evolution actually began during the 1910’s. By then, women made their own form of mascara by adding hot beads of wax to the tips of their eyelashes. From the 1930’s through the 1950’s, various movie stars proved to be the models for current trends in makeup. With the ’60’s and the hippies came a more liberated makeup look, from white lips and Egyptian-lined eyes to painted images on faces. Today’s trend seems to have reverted to the more natural look with a blending of styles from the past.
In today’s world, a woman has literally hundreds of cosmetics to choose from, with a wide variety of colors and uses. For a younger look, the options available are as simple as skin hydrators and rejuvenators, advancing to chemical skin peels, the now-popular Botox, collagen injections, and ending with the more-drastic surgical facelift.
It is important to reflect on one’s inner beauty as the real beauty of a woman. Outer beauty will not remain forever, no matter what drastic measures are taken. We have all heard the saying, “The eyes are the windows to the soul”. Look into your own orbits, take stock of the woman inside, and be happy with who you are. This will reflect on your outlook on life, which will send a message to others, and will be returned to you through their reactions to the beautiful you.
