Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – a common and popular tag line when you describe beauty with a character that comes from within.
You know, I love makeup! I’ve been in the cosmetic/fashion world my whole life and I love the different cultures, trends and the vibes I get from wearing a strong bold eye!
When we talk about makeup, it differs from people by people, places by places, and cultures. We can dig more of this complex topic around the world. But how does cosmetics start? Who was the first to use makeup and how it affects the world market today?
Let’s dive in!
There was archeological evidence that cosmetics evolved during ancient times from Egypt and Greece. In ancient Egypt, they use castor oil as a protective balm and skin creams made of beeswax, olive oil, and rosewater. Historically, there were traces of makeup found in cave paintings. The Old Stone age was a period where women colored their bodies in reddish-brown tones to express themselves in different moods, sexual maturity, mourning, or social circumstances.
During the Persian Empire, today is Iran, “kohl” was used, it a black powder smeared to darken the edges of the eyelids similar to eyeliner.
Around 3000 BC, during the Chou dynasty, royals wore gold and silver stain on their fingernails with gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax, and egg white. In later years, royals wore black or red. These colours used to represent a social class. Lower classes, they were forbidden to wear bright colours on their nails.
Geishas in Japan wore a different kind of lipstick. It was made of crushed safflower petals to paint eyebrows and edges of the eyes as well as lips and sticks of bintsuke wax, a softer version of the sumo wrestlers’ hair wax.
In China, almost similar to Japanese, the eyes are enhanced with very pale or white faces. They applied lead powder as the base make up but as we all know, lead contains toxic materials that might harm the skin. In the early years, they have been using rice powder that passes through the process. Grinding into a fine powder, soaked in cold water, fermented and rotten, cleaned and drained, then exposed to the sun and finally used for makeup. It was categorized into blush, eyebrows, and lipstick.
Indian women preferred a much simpler makeup, lips shades with slightly red colours, and their eyes highlighted in black.
In cosmetic history, there is a fascinating story that evolved during the Roman Empire. During those times, cosmetics were only amongst prostitutes and rich women. There were traditional values and sentiments discussed because of this. According to the church leaders, it was sinful and immoral to wear make up for the middle ages.
Native Americans used cultural face-painting and tribal makeup for ceremonial events or battle. In Africa, with estimated 3000 tribes, makeup plays a vital role in different groups. Each form of face paint signifies traditional and religious reasons and purposes.
Face paint has colours and symbols with a certain meaning and is usually made out of clay with different hues using dried plants and flowers.
In the European Renaissance era, idolization of the art and literature from ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece. Hence, the introduction of white face paint became the basis of aristocracy and social recognition. During these times, natural look, soft, and graceful were likely to be perfect for them. As the years go by, tremendously, it changed and keeps changing as time goes by.
Now, let’s talk about the New Era. Make-up has been a successful product line across the globe. A definition of beauty becomes ethereal, and people who used it come out their chameleon look.
Are you ready to get a glimpse of the make-up line, beauty cosmetics, and skincare today?
Did you know that Western Europe led with an expenditure of $748 Billion (USD) per year on beauty products? The second on the list is United States with $663 Billion (USD). China steps in third with $661 Billion (USD). Oceania and Asia mark as the biggest consumers of cosmetics which makes 39% of the market.
Makeup nowadays can be explored no matter what your culture is. There are various makeup selections offer by beauty companies that are Marketing focus. But it is more important to look more closely at makeup culture itself and how it affects everyday women. Makeup use also depends on the preferences of each individual. We must learn how to respect these considerations.
As makeup artists myself, I, other makeup experts, and beauty gurus consider that makeup is a high form of art. Our face represents as a canvas to create an ethereal image that leads to the discovery of a chameleon look.
As always, for more ideas, visit my Instagram account at https://instagram.com/luxelife9, feel free to follow and engage with me there as well.
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