History of Cosmetics

By: Rosy CaitoHistory 141Professor Arguello

The Beginning of Cosmetics

The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics is found in Ancient Egypt in the year 4000 B.C.

Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used cosmetics out of mercury ,white lead, frankincense, and myrrh

Henna was used o dye fingernails orange and yellow Egyptians made a cleansing cream of animal and vegetable

oils Ingredients such as myrrh, thyme, lavender, chamomile,

lily, peppermint, rosemary, rose, aloe, olive oil, sesame oil and almond oil provided the basics of most perfumes used in religious ritual.

Kohl was a dark-colored powder made of crushed antimony, burnt almonds, lead, oxidized copper and other ingredients used to outline the eyes

The upper and lower eyelids were painted in an almond shape.

These ancient peoples used eye makeup because they believed it reduced sun glare, could restore poor eyesight, and reduce eye infection.

Cosmetics in China and Japan

Gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax, and egg was used by the Chinese around 3000 B.C.E. to stain their fingernails.

In Japan, geishas wore lipstick made from crushed safflower petals to paint eyebrows and edges of the eyes. For the lips, sticks of bintsuke wax was used.

For the light skin of geishas, rice powder or bird droppings to acquire a light skin color.

In the Middle Ages, pale skin showed that someone was of high class so women and men would lighten their skin using white lead

During the 20th century, make-up became fashionable in America and Europe through the influence of ballet and movie industry in Hollywood

The flapper style influenced cosmetics of the1920s with dark eyes, red lips, red nails, and a suntan , invented by Coco Chanel.

Today, there are many cosmetic lines such as Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Avon, Clinique, and Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Sources

http://www.cyonic-nemeton.com/Cosmetics.html

http://www.thehistoryof.net/the-history-of-cosmetics.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_cosmetics