Facts about cosmetics aren’t something we typically think about each morning as we are going through our beauty routine. Facts about cosmetics will help you understand the beauty industry as it is today. Not to mention you’ll realize how lucky we are to have products that aren’t toxic! Take a look at this quick history of cosmetics!
1. Ancient Egyptians
There are many facts about cosmetics, but did you know that the ancient Egyptians and Cleopatra were believed to be some of the first to use cosmetics as far back as 4,000 B.C.? Egyptians would fill in their brows and line their eyes with Kohl-a cream made from the fat of sheep mixed with powdered lead or antimony and soot. Ancient Egyptians were also known to take baths in milk and honey to soften and beautify their skin from head to toe!
2. Romans & Greeks
Around 100 A.D., the Romans stayed beautiful by using wine as a cheek stain and painted their faces and bodies with chalk to achieve a pale, whitish look. They even created acne treatments by combining barley flour and butter. The Romans also dyed their hair, but they used lye-causing many people to lose their hair and forcing them to wear wigs. The Greeks stained their cheeks and lips using vermillion and the juice from berries. They darkened their lashes with black incense.
3. The Middle Ages
Unlike today when tans are coveted, in the Middle Ages being pale was all the rage! Women wanted so badly to be pale that they allowed themselves to be painted or even bled in order to achieve the colorless look. Tattoos became popular during this time period in addition to colored eyeshadow, such as blues, greens, grays, and browns.
4. The 15th-16th Centuries
During this time period, royalty and their court were the only ones using cosmetics. Fragrances were becoming popular in France, and whitening agents were being used for the face. Whitening products were composed of carbonate, hydroxide, and lead oxide-ingredients that were stored in the body, causing physical problems that sometimes resulted in muscle paralysis or death.
5. The 1800s
By the 1800s, almost all social classes wore cosmetics, but many products still contained toxic ingredients. Eyeshadows and lip stains contained poisonous ingredients like mercuric sulfide and belladonna. Zinc oxide, which is still used today, was introduced as a facial powder to replace deadly arsenic versions.
6. The 1900s
During the 1900s, the commercial cosmetics industry began to grow substantially. In 1913, mascara that’s packaged as we know it today was developed by the French chemist and perfumer Eugène Rimmel. The product was a bit messy and inconsistent, but it was non-toxic and became popular across Europe. Worldwide acceptance of mascara came when T.L. Williams developed a similar packaging for his new company, Maybelline. In the later 1900s, makeup became a way for women to express themselves. Women wore makeup that suited their style and taste, and didn’t strictly stick to the trends.
7. Present Day
The cosmetics and beauty industries total over $20 billion in annual sales and is consistently growing. Emphasis is placed on anti-aging and looking young. Many different makeup looks are embraced-from the natural look to dramatic, theatrical looks.
Although cosmetics have changed drastically throughout the course of history, the goal to look our best remains the same. Most of us would be lost without the brilliant invention known as makeup! Which development throughout the history of cosmetics do you think is most significant?
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did people start using makeup?
- Cosmetics have been used since ancient times, with evidence dating back over 5,000 years to Egypt and Mesopotamia.
- Who were the first known users of makeup?
- Ancient Egyptian women and men were among the earliest makeup users, applying kohl and other pigments for beauty and protection.
- What was ancient makeup made from?
- Early cosmetics were made from natural ingredients like minerals, plants, and even crushed gemstones.
- How did makeup evolve in history?
- Makeup trends shifted through centuries, reflecting cultural values, from the pale faces of Elizabethan England to the bold styles of the 1920s.
- When was the first modern makeup brand created?
- Max Factor, founded in the early 1900s, is often credited as one of the first modern makeup brands.
- Was makeup always socially accepted?
- Not always; makeup faced social stigmas at various points, but it gradually became a symbol of empowerment and self-expression.
- How did World Wars impact cosmetics?
- During the World Wars, makeup became more practical and patriotic, with limited ingredients and a focus on simplicity.
- Why did red lipstick become popular?
- Red lipstick gained popularity as a symbol of confidence and rebellion, especially during the 20th century.
- What role did Hollywood play in makeup history?
- Hollywood glamorized makeup, influencing trends and making beauty products widely desirable.
- Are there any historical makeup rituals still used today?
- Many natural ingredients and techniques inspired by ancient beauty rituals continue to influence modern cosmetics.