Makeup History: From Ancient Times to Modern Day

Ancient Beginnings: Egypt and Mesopotamia

Our journey begins in ancient Egypt, where makeup was not only a beauty enhancer but also a status symbol and spiritual practice. Both men and women adorned their eyes with kohl, a dark powder made from crushed minerals, to create dramatic, almond-shaped eyes. They also used green malachite and blue lapis lazuli to add color to their eyelids. Meanwhile, in Mesopotamia, people used crushed gemstones to decorate their lips and faces.

Modern Connection: Inspired by these ancient practices, today’s eyeliners and eyeshadows come in a wide range of richly pigmented colors that evoke the mystery and allure of ancient Egypt. These products are designed to help you create bold, timeless looks with ease.

Classical Beauty: Greece and Rome

In ancient Greece and Rome, pale skin was highly coveted as a sign of wealth and status. Women used white lead and chalk to achieve this look, despite the harmful effects on their skin. They also used natural ingredients like berries and clay to create lip and cheek stains.

Modern Connection: Nowadays, the importance of safe, skin-friendly ingredients is well understood. Blushes and lip tints made from natural, non-toxic ingredients provide a healthy, radiant glow without compromising safety.

The Middle Ages: Subtle Sophistication

During the Middle Ages in Europe, makeup took a backseat as a more conservative, religious influence dominated society. However, women still sought to enhance their natural beauty subtly, using herbal concoctions to whiten their skin and add a touch of color to their lips and cheeks.

Modern Connection: Embracing the concept of enhancing natural beauty, modern makeup products offer sheer, buildable coverage that highlights your best features while maintaining a natural look.

The Renaissance: A Return to Opulence

The Renaissance era marked a resurgence of elaborate makeup styles. Pale skin was back in fashion, achieved with a mixture of lead and vinegar. Women painted their lips with vermilion and darkened their lashes with soot. Beauty spots, or “mouches,” became popular as symbols of flirtation and allure.

Modern Connection: Channeling the opulence of the Renaissance, today’s high-pigment lipsticks and luxurious face powders offer long-lasting, vibrant color that stays put, allowing you to make a bold statement without the hazards of historical cosmetics.

The Victorian Era: Modesty and Restraint

In Victorian England, modesty was the key, and heavy makeup was considered inappropriate. Women used minimal cosmetics, relying on light powders to reduce shine and pinching their cheeks for a natural blush. Lip balms made from beeswax and rose petals provided a subtle touch of color.

Modern Connection: For those who prefer a more understated look, tinted lip balms and translucent powders provide just the right amount of enhancement, perfect for everyday wear.

The 20th Century: Revolution and Innovation

The 20th century brought about dramatic changes in makeup trends, from the flapper style of the 1920s with its bold red lips and smoky eyes to the glamorous Hollywood looks of the 1950s. The rise of color television in the 1960s and 70s popularized vivid eyeshadows and lip colors, while the 1980s saw a love for bright, neon makeup.

Modern Connection: Embracing the spirit of innovation, today’s makeup products include a wide array of vibrant, high-performance options. From classic red lipsticks to bold, neon eyeshadows, the possibilities for expressing your unique style are endless.

Modern Day: Diversity and Personal Expression

Today, makeup is all about personal expression and inclusivity. There’s a product for every skin tone, type, and personal style. From natural, no-makeup looks to bold, artistic creations, the possibilities are endless.

Modern Connection: Modern makeup brands pride themselves on offering a diverse range of products that cater to all skin tones and styles. The mission is to empower individuals to express themselves freely and confidently through makeup.

Conclusion

The history of makeup is a testament to humanity’s enduring desire to enhance beauty and express individuality. By combining historical inspiration with modern innovation, today’s makeup products help you look and feel your best. Whether you’re channeling the allure of ancient Egypt or the boldness of the 1980s, these products are designed to bring your unique vision to life.