Ancient Egypt Many cosmetic materials still popular today-including kohl and henna-were first used in ancient Egypt. These kohl circles were supposed to ward off the evil eye and the Romans described them using creams consisting of beeswax, olive oil, rosewater and more.
China
In ancient China, painting fingernails began circa 3000 BCE as a way to establish social class
- Royals wore gold or silver while the lower classes were forbidden to wear bright nail colors
- Plum blossom makeup originated from a folklore tale about a princess whose beauty was enhanced when a petal fell on her face
Today
In the 21st century, makeup is for everyone
- Men are quick to adopt products such as concealer and eyeliner to enhance their own features
- Gender equality movements progress, and the line between who can and can’t wear makeup is becoming ever more blurred
Europe
Alexander the Great: wore makeup for aesthetic and health reasons
- Would send plant cuttings home to a friend in Athens so that they could create a garden especially for beauty products
- Romans called Britons “picts” because of the blue woad they painted over their faces
The 20th century
During the 1900s, the lower classes were laborers who spent the majority of their time outdoors working the fields or selling their wares.
- A pale complexion came to symbolize a gentrified or aristocratic person who did not have to work for their income.
- Makeup artists of popular actresses dramatically influenced how the public used makeup, and big names such as Max Factor rose to prominence.
- The cosmetic routine at this time involved a simple powdered face, pinching to bring color to the cheeks, and darkening eyelashes with burnt matches.
