The Evolution of Makeup

With the popularity of skincare and cosmetics, the beauty industry has become all-encompassing. Beauty brands are formulated by the combined efforts of cosmetologists, dermatologists, social media influencers, and celebrities.

The History of Makeup

Makeup has been captivating us for centuries. The makeup formulation goes back to Ancient Egypt when men and women wore their distinctive eye makeup. Egyptians used natural elements, including minerals and natural clay pigment ochre, for cosmetics and facial cleansers. Kohl was also used to darken the eyes. Today, you might compare it to eyeliner!

Some Products Contained Poisonous Ingredients

Before we truly understood the adverse effects of lead and other poisonous ingredients, cosmetics and beauty regimens were complete with dangerous elements such as arsenic or lead. Some victorian-era brands used toxic ingredients that would pale complexions with wafers spiked with small doses of arsenic. Egyptians used kohl for their eyeliner, derived from lead sulfide.

Makeup was Considered Immoral

During the Middle Ages, the Church did not allow the use of makeup because it was considered to be immoral. Although makeup was prohibited, women continued to use various forms of it in Europe. At one time, women would crush fresh geranium petals and rub them on their cheeks and lips to create a rosy glow.

Modern Makeup Started in the Twentieth Century

Lipstick has evolved over the ages, becoming more nourishing to the lip and offered in various palettes, from au natural to pigmented. Pancake makeup was invented in 1935 to help movie stars look more theatrical and attractive on film. Before 1958, mascara was applied with a brush, but the invention of the mascara tube allowed this important kind of eye makeup to be applied in a new way.

Did You Know?

Some Makeup Ingredients Are Still Used Today

Castor oil was used in makeup thousands of years ago, and it is still present in some makeup today. Kohl and henna have been in use in India as a beauty aid for thousands of years, and today, they are in widespread use in many countries. Traditionally, kohl has been made from a combination of ingredients, including ashes, lead, burnt almonds, and antimony.

The use of makeup to enhance one’s beauty is not new. The desire for beauty has always been common. The main difference today is that we now know much more about how to create safe and effective beauty treatments with the increasing knowledge that we have gained. To learn more about how makeup is created and applied, you can take beauty college courses offered at Evergreen Beauty College that can prepare you for a career in makeup artistry.