Even though makeup seems like quite a recent invention, it has been around for over 10,000 years. It traces all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians who in around 10,000 BC started using makeup as a way of reaching to the gods by looking attractive. They developed many of the cosmetics that we use today, such as creams to prevent stretch marks and aging, oils that gave moisture to their skin,perfumes to make them smell good, and eyeliner. The eyeliner, known as Kohl, was worn by both men and women. It was a mixture of metal, lead, copper, ash and burnt almonds. The circles of kohl were meant keep away the evil eye and dangerous spirits and were also handy in keep away the strong sun.
Around 3000 BC, the Chinese started using rice powder to whiten their faces. The Greeks would use lead to look paler, and they would also apply berries on their cheeks as rouge. Chinese women painted their nails, and around 1500 BCE, the Chinese started painting teeth black or gold and shaving off their eyebrows.
Later on, in around 100 AD, the Romans started using barley powder and butter to prevent acne. They also used sheep fat and blood to paint their nails. Some Roman med started dying their hair blond, and mud baths became a normal treatment for the body.
In 300 AD, Indians started using Henna for decorating their bodies for religious reasons. They also used it for dying their hair.
In the Middle Ages in Great Britain many woman died their hair red and wore egg whites in their faces to whiten them. In the 1400s, the Renaissance, only the upper classes used makeup. A thousand years later the women used quite dangerous products to lighten their skin. Also, blonde hair became quite popular because of its angelic look.
Later on, around 1800 AD, Queen Victoria announced makeup as being improper, causing it to lose popularity. At this time it was only acceptable for use by actors.
Around the 1900s, makeup regained its popularity. In the Edwardian society, women needed to look young. Therefore they bought cosmetics secretly, so people wouldn't know they needed products to look young.
In the 1920s tanned skin became popular, and by the 1930s self-tanning products were made.
Makeup has been around for ages, and it has changed greatly since it was introduced by the Ancient Egyptians. Even though it is still developing, it will always be around to make women feel beautiful about themselves.
