History Of Cosmetics
Archeologists discovered that Egyptians were using cosmetics since Ancient Egypt Time, around 3500 BC, as the oldest evidence of cosmetics prove it. Ancient cosmetics were first discovered in royal tombs, such as the one of Tutankhamun. Other ancient people were using cosmetics, as well, such as Romans and Greeks. Lead and poisonous mercury were used to manufacture cosmetics by Ancient Egyptians and Romans. Even the Old Testament has recordings of the usage of cosmetics in the old kingdom of Israel. In 2 Kings 9:30 Jezebel is said to have painted her eyelids and that was happening around 840 BC. Beauty treatments are also described by the Bible in the book of Esther.
Middle Ages brought some interdictions from the Church in the use of cosmetics, but there were many women who still wore it. Pale-skinned complexion was much into fashion during those times and that was possible by using pastes of lead, flour or chalk or even by bloodletting. Another product to whiten the complexion was “ceruse”, made with some white lead pigment.
Western history knew many occasions when cosmetics were disapproved. During the 19th century it was mainly prostitutes who used make up. Furthermore, Queen Victoria herself declared makeup vulgar, improper and only permitted to actors. Another famous leader who disapproved with make-up for women was Adolf Hitler.
During the 19th century women were very fond of a fragile appearance, considering themselves extremely feminine and delicate, like flowers. For that they were trying to look as pale and as interesting as possible. Some rouge on the cheeks was sometimes discretely applied. The eyes were dilated by using “belladonna”. Social etiquette was very rigid during the 1870s when make-up was explicitly frowned upon.
The 20th century meant a development of cosmetics which became part of women’s everyday lives, all around the world.