Milica Perić II3Filološka gimnazija Beograd

2012/2013.

History of cosmetics and makeup

History of cosmetics and makeup

There’s a lot of talk about how today’s society is obsessed with appearances.There is underlying belief that there was less pressure to change your appearance for beauty’s sake before modern society.When you actually look at the habitsof people hundreds or thousands years ago, you will see that appearance has always been important to society.The history of makeup spans at least 6000 years of human history.

Africa –The use of cosmetics in Ancient Egypt is well documented.Kohl and henna have their roots in north Africa.They had creams for strech marks and to fight aging.

Mineral makeup was also used by the Egyptians.The Egyptians also used kohl to line their eyes,because they believed it protected them from harmful sun rays.They also wore green eyeliner made from crushed malachite stone.

China-Chinese people began to stain their fingernails with gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax and egg from around 3000 BC.The colors used represented social class.Chou dynasty royals wore gold and silver; later royals wore black or red.The lower classes were forbidden.to wear bright colors on their nails.Flowers play an important decorative role in China...

Japan-In Japan, geisha wore lipstick made of crushed safflower petals to paintthe eyebrows and edges of the eyes as well as the lips. They used Rice powder .The geisha would also sometimes use bird droppings to compile a lighter color.

India- Make up in India was a very important part of Indian culture.Henna ,locally known as Mehndi is used for dyeing skin,hair,fingernails,leather,silk and wool.It was first introduced between the fourth and the fifth centuries .It has become very known for painting complex designs on hands and feet especially before Hindu and Muslim wedding...

For clensing the skin and masking the body odor , scented oils and ointments, were usually applied while Indian rich people use minerals on their faces , skin and oil-based perfumes .

Europe- In the Middle Ages it was thought sinful and immoral to wear makeup by Church leaders.From the Renaissance up until the 20th century the lower classes had to work outside, in agricultural jobs and the typically light-colored European’s skin was darkened by exposure to the sun. The higher a person was in status,the more leisure time he or she had to spend indoors, which kept their skin pale.The highest class of European society were pale resuting in European men and mostly women attempting to lighten their skin directly, or using white powder on their skin to look more aristocratic.

A variety of products were used, including white lead paint which also may have contained arsenic, . Queen Elizabeth I of England was one well-known user of white lead with which she created a look known as “the Mask of Youth”.Pale faces were a trend during the European Middle Ages. The 13th century Itallin women wore red lipstick to show they were upperclass.In England Queen Victoria denounced makeup as vulgar.It lost some popularity and was only acceptable for use by actors.

The 20th century –During the early years of the 20th century, makeup became fashionable in the USA and Europe owing to the influence of ballet and theatre stars.But the most influential new development of all was that of movie industry in Hollywood.Modern synthetic hair dye was invented in 1907 by the founder of L’Oreal.The red lipstick,red nail polish and the suntan were invented as a fashion statment by Coco Chanel.Cosmetics deodorant was invented in 1888. By unknown inventor from Philadephia and was trademarked under the name Mum.

The 21st century- Although makeup has been used mainly by women traditionally, gradually an increasing number of males are using cosmetics usually associated to women to enhance their own facial features...Cosmetics brands are releasing cosmetic products especially tailored for men, and men are using such products increasily more commonly.

Today modern companies are L’oreal,Max Factor, Maybelline,Deborah....

It’s in human nature to want to look and feel attractive.The next time you think today’s society is superficial,remind yourselfs of the products used by Ancient Egyptians and Renaissance women.At least our products today are relatively safe....

Milica Perić II3