When we think of the history of cosmetics, we frequently think of ancient Egypt. It is regarded as the beginning of cosmetics. Although cavemen used oils, ointments, and colors to nourish their skin during the Stone Age, it was the Egyptians who passed on their knowledge in writing. They wrote about personal hygiene and how they use make-up to change their appearance. Women were not the only ones who used cosmetics.
Personal hygiene was important to both men and women. The images of Nefertiti and Cleopatra have highlighted beauty, while the pharaohs’ charcoal-painted eyes are also well-known.
Pigments were the foundation for the oils and waxes they used at the time. Malachite stone,
lapis, and vermilion, for example, were frequently used. Egyptians were also known to clean
themselves on a regular basis, as hygiene was very important to them. As perfume, fragrant
ingredients were also used.

History of MakeUp Products

The long and fascinating history of makeup can change the way you look at your cosmetic
products for the rest of your life, and this is the ideal place to see for yourself how makeup was
introduced to the modern world of fashion.
The majority of makeup products were not always available to us over the last few thousand
years of our existence. However, since their arrival, global fashion and our ability to express
ourselves have changed forever.

● History of Lipstick

The most well-known and widely used cosmetic products have not had an easy journey through history. Lipstick has been embraced as an important part of daily fashion, religious ceremonies, and tradition at times, but it has also been viewed as unhealthy and unethical for the longest time. More information can be found here.

● History of Mascara

When you look at someone, the first thing you notice is their eyes. As a result, mascara has
become one of the most important cosmetic products of all time. Here you can learn more about it and its incredible journey through history.

● History of Eye Liner

Born in the desert environment of Ancient Egypt, eye liner was sadly forgotten in modern history after the fall of Egypt. Its triumphant return occurred only in the early twentieth century, after waves of archaeologists discovered fantastic treasures in pharaoh tombs.

● History of Eye Shadow

Eye shadow is a cosmetic product that can significantly alter our appearance. Because of the
incredible power of this simple tool, it has been used not only in modern times, but throughout our modern civilization’s entire history. Learn more about it.

● History of Nail Polish

Nail polish was an ancient cosmetic product used by many civilizations thousands of years ago, but it only became truly popular in the last one or two hundred years. You can find out how that happened right here.

● History of Body Painting

Body painting is a form of expression that has existed throughout the modern human race’s
history. Here you can learn about how this form of expression has been used in religion, general fashion, and high art over the last few thousand years.

Cosmetic History

The cosmetic products you use today were not all created recently. Some of them have a long
and illustrious history that dates back to the dawn of modern human civilization. You can witness the cosmetics journey like never before.

● Cosmetic in Ancient Rome

Rome was able to construct a vast empire that extended all the way to the edges of the known
world. With access to vast resources and trade routes to neighboring civilizations, Rome quickly became enchanted with various types of cosmetic products. Learn more about it.
● Cosmetics in the 1920s
The early twentieth century will be remembered as one of the most exciting eras in cosmetics
history. Countless innovators introduced many new products to the market during those years,
allowing for radical change in our fashion styles and society.
● Cosmetics in the 1970s
After the Roaring Twenties, global fashion settled into a safe style that was embraced by both
older and younger female populations. However, the hippie movement, punk, and glam
movements of the 1970s forever changed modern fashion.
● Cosmetic Timeline
The history of cosmetics is filled with fascinating events. Sometimes these events have minor
consequences, and other times they cause major shifts in our culture and fashion… and you can see them all right here.

Facts about Cosmetics

● Cosmetics were an important part of religion in ancient Egypt. People took excellent care
of their bodies in order to honor the gods and spirits. Face makeup and body oils were
held in high regard.
● Poisonous ingredients were frequently found in ancient cosmetics. Because of their
lethal nature, only the aristocracy and upper class wore extensive makeup, and the
common people regarded them with disdain, and in some cases open hostility.
● The Roman Senate passed the (short-lived) “LexOppia” law, which prohibited females
from obtaining and wearing cosmetic products in public. This was implemented because
wealthy women in Rome were able to spend fortunes on extravagant cosmetic products
from India and the Middle East.
● Chemists and cosmetologists invented face mascara, brow pencils, lip gloss, sunscreen
oil, and hairspray between 1920 and WWII.
● Nail polish was invented in ancient China, but only the nobility and aristocracy used it. If
ordinary people were caught wearing it, they were executed.
● At the end of the nineteenth century, the general public began to use first industrially
made deodorants and Colgate’s toothpaste in tubes.
● L’Oreal is the world’s largest cosmetic company today. They began in 1909 and are now
owned by the founder’s daughter Liliane Bettencourt and the well-known Swiss food
corporation Nestlé.
● The Elizabethan era was famous for the fashion of starting white faces and darkly
painted eyes and lips. Coal was used as one of the ingredients in their eyeliner.
● The ground bodies of Cochineal beetles produce the red color carmine. This recipe was
discovered in Egypt, but it was also widely used by the Incas and Aztecs to color their
lips and nails.
● Around the world, various governments and regulatory bodies have strict control over the
manufacture and distribution of cosmetic products.
● In the 18th century, England almost accepted a law that allowed men to divorce their
wives if they were caught wearing makeup. A century later, Queen Victoria publicly
declared public use of cosmetics to be impolite and vulgar.
● During the dark and middle ages in Europe, the Catholic Church deemed many cosmetic
products to be impure.
● Coco Chanel, a French fashion designer, first introduced tanning oils to the market in the
early twentieth century.
● Women in the 15th century preferred to have no hair on their faces. The famous Mona
Liza does not have eyebrows because of her fashion style.

Back on the Track

There are, however, extremes and trends even today. The demand for personal care
products is higher now than at any other time in history, as are the opportunities to use
cosmetics for skin care as well as enhancing or changing our appearance.
Everyone can shape themselves, do good for themselves, and feel fulfilled without
risking their health. Nobody has to justify why they wear make-up or don’t wear it.
Today’s cosmetics, like those used by the ancient Egyptians, can be used by both men
and women.