Task 10 - The History of Makeup

The history of makeup dates back longer than you'd think. Both men and women in Ancient Egypt were probably the first to wear makeup, way back in 4000 BCE. The makeup used were kohl sticks to blacken the eyes and copper to create rich green eyeshadow.

 

 

 

Makeup then became common enough that use of it is mentioned in the Bible -

 

Jeremiah 4:30  -  And you, O desolate one, what do you mean that you dress in scarlet, that you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, that you enlarge your eyes with paint? In vain you beautify yourself. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.

 

 

In some societies, lots of materials were used to lighten the skin, ranging from rice powder to lead. Lead, along with arsenic were two of the most used and most dangerous ingredients often resulting in illness and sometimes death.

 

 

 

In Ancient Greece, many believed that a woman may as well be nude if they didn't wear makeup.

 

The History of Makeup

 

The History of Makeup - Wesbite 2

 

The History of Makeup - Website 3

 

 

Watch Hidden Histories: Cosmetics below