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drop us a line!Our Let's Dish! subject is a second installment about the history of makeup. If you missed the first one,
check it out here.For centuries, both men and women have indulged in the use of cosmetics. The history of makeup dates back to the 1st century Egyptians, although they were not the first to use makeup. Rather, they were among the first to understand and document the importance of makeup as part of culture.
Egyptians were well aware of the beauty of soft skin and seductive eyes. They used kohl and soot as eye and lash makeup, and unguent to hydrate the skin. They also used copper and lead ore to create fine cosmetics, and traced the veins in their temples and breasts with blue paint. The 1st century Romans also used kohl for the eyes, but also introduced chalk as a skin whitener, rouge, and the use of henna dyes to stain the face, nails and hair
In ancient Greece around the 4th century, women painted their faces with white lead and used crushed mulberries for rouge. The application of fake eyebrows, often made of oxen hair, was also fashionable.
By the Middle Ages pale skin became known as a sign of wealth and stature in society. Women went to great lengths to achieve white skin, including bleeding themselves on a regular basis. Later in the 13th century subtle pink was added as a further sign of societal wealth and importance. Only the wealthy could afford pink makeup.
In the 17th century ‘beauty patches’ – pieces of velvet or silk cut into shapes such as stars, moons and similar figures- were sometimes applied to the face and body to cover smallpox scars and other marks. A secret language even developed through their use: A patch near the mouth meant you were flirtatious; one next to the right cheek signaled you were married; one on the left cheek announces you were engaged; one at the corner of the eye meant you were someone’s mistress.
A pale complexion was still desired, and achieved by making a cream from powdered chalk or white lead, mixed with white of an egg and vinegar—making a smooth shiny finish. The cheeks were reddened by adding a little cerise powder (white lead to which red coloring was added), or by using Spanish paper which was bought dyed red to rub on the skin. Lips were reddened with fruit juice or cochineal, a red dye obtained from the crushed dried bodies of female cochineal insects.
Stay tuned for the third and last installment!
In the mean time, here’s a couple great links to cosmetic sites.
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/learn/articles_index.tmplhttp://www.more.com/beauty
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