The History of Makeup Essay Example
The History of Makeup Essay Example

The History of Makeup Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (740 words)
  • Published: April 21, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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Makeup. Have you ever wondered how women from earlier times were supplied with makeup? In fact, Ancient Egyptians used anything from copper and lead ore to create the first cosmetics used in the world. However, today, cosmetics are scientifically advanced and can do everything from his pores, smooth complexions, and change eye color. Makeup has been an integral part of mankind for thousands of years. Women and men have taken drastic measures over the years to better their appearance. In Ancient Egyptian times, men and women wore makeup, rouge, and perfumed oil to protect them from the sun.

In Egypt, the higher the persons status was, the more makeup and jewelry they wore. The makeup they used provided color t their eyelids, eye lashes, and eye brows. The most abundant colors used during this time

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were black and green. Since Egyptians did not have a store they could go to to purchase makeup, they had to make it. To do so, they used different powders and ground them together on a palette with water to form and thick paste. In order to create black, they used a mineral called Kohl, which is obtained from Galena.

In order to create green, they used a green pigment called Malachite. Malachite is a copper ore. To create rouge, they used red ochre. Not only did Ancient Egyptians wear makeup to show their status, but also for medical reasons. For Example, Kohl protected against eye diseases, Galena had disinfectant purposes, Kohl also acted as a deterrent to flies. During the Ancient Roman times, cosmetics were first used for ritual purposes; however, they became a huge part of daily life for women

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especially for prostitutes and the wealthy.

During this time, designer brands were imported from Germany, China, and Gaul. The Lex Oppia limited the use of these products in 189 BCE. However, cheap knock-offs were sold to poorer women. During this time, most women didn't have to time to apply their own makeup, as it was very time consuming and had to be reapplied several times a day due to weather and composition. Women slaves who applied makeup to the owners were known as Cosmetaes. Cosmetaes were adorned for their skills of applying makeup.

Some men, especially cross-dressers, used cosmetics, although it was viewed as effeminate. To Romans, very pale skin was considered the most beautiful of all. Therefore, women wore whitening makeup to fit their idea of beauty. Most of the time, women applied chalk powder, white marl, and even crocodile feces and white lead to their faces. Hair on women at this time was also considered extremely unattractive, except for on their head. Roman women who wore pink rouge on their faces were considered to be in good health.

This color of rouge was made my rose and poppy petals, red chalk, and the more expensive brand was made of Red Ochre and was also imported from Belgium. Romans also believed that eyelashes fell out from excessive sex, so to prove to the opposite sex that they were still charitable women, they kept their eyelashes long by applying kohl to them excessively. Romans, like Egyptians, also used Kohl for eye makeup, and also Malachite, for green makeup. They also used Azurite to create blue makeup. They preferred thick eyebrows that nearly met.

They achieved this look with soot

and met them in the middle creating the uni brow. The makeup of today's society is quite different. During the early 20th century, makeup became fashionable in the United States, due to the influence of ballet and theater stars. But the most influential of all was the movie industry in Hollywood. Many people became famous because they were known for producing different brands of makeup, such as Elizabeth Arden and Merle Norman. Flapper styles in the 1920s also influenced makeup.

They wore dark eye shadow, red lip stick and nail polish, and also flaunted glowing sun tans. Therefore, leading to the production of tanning products. In the 1970s, companies began producing makeup for Black women and sold it at a reasonable and affordable price. Throughout history, makeup has had many different purposes. Whether is be to show your social status, or just better your appearance, makeup has made its way through history and improved along the way. Ranging from face makeup to nail care, cosmetic products are a must have for the majority of the women of the world, and also some men.

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