History of Makeup

From the copper and lead ore that the ancient Egyptians used to create the world's first cosmetics to the scientifically advanced products of today that can do everything from hiding pores and smoothing complexions, makeup has been an integral part of humankind for thousands of years. Over the centuries, women used burnt matches to darken their eyes or berries to stain their lips, they even swallowed ox blood in some misguided attempt to improve their complexions.
Women throughout history put their health at risk with many of their homemade cosmetics. In some cultures, for example, women used arsenic, lead, mercury, and even leeches to give themselves the pale appearance, which was seen as beautiful in the old days.
Today's multi billion dollar cosmetic industry must meet strict government regulations about what it can and cannot include in products and must follow safe manufacturing guidelines. Today, the most serious injury you're likely to receive from your cosmetics is an irritation or a rash from using a product that's too harsh for your skin.

The history of face makeup dates thousands of years back to the 1 st Century Egyptians. This is not to say that the Egyptians were the first to use face makeup, rather they were the first to document the importance of face makeup as an important part of culture as seen in the discovery of ancient Egyptian tomb paintings. Egyptians used natural ingredients such as unguent, a hydrating substance, and kohl, soot, to beautify the skin and appearance. Egyptians were well aware of the beauty of soft skin and seductive eyes.
 The 1 st century also showed the Roman use of kohl for eye makeup and eyelash makeup. The Romans also used chalk as a skin whitener. The Greco-Roman and Persian influences added the use of henna dyes to stain the face and hair.
Face makeup continued to evolve as did time. By the Middle Ages European cultures added to the popularity of pale skin. Pale skin became known as a sign of wealth and stature in society. Women went to great lengths to achieve white skin by resorting to bleeding themselves. Adding subtle pink as seen by the 13th century added a further sign of societal wealth and importance. Only the wealthy could afford pink face makeup. The focus of white skin as a sign of wealth continued into the Italian Renaissance. Again, women went to exaggerated measures to achieve status by using deadly ingredients such as lead and arsenic. By the Elizabethan Age, face makeup began to be associated with poor health. Women turned to egg whites to add a healthy glaze to the face. Heavy face makeup was used to hide disease and illness.