Makeup is like a time capsule on your face! People have been wearing it for thousands of years, and the styles they used can tell us a lot about the history and culture of different times.
The very first makeup appeared in ancient Egypt, around 6,000 years ago. Egyptians used a special black powder called kohl around their eyes. They believed it protected them from the sun and evil spirits. In Greece and Rome, people liked pale skin, and they used things like lead powder (not safe!) and beet juice to achieve this look.
Cleopatra, a famous Egyptian queen, was known for her dramatic eye makeup and even used green eyeshadow made from crushed minerals.
As time went on, makeup styles kept changing. In Medieval Europe, people liked pale skin and rosy cheeks, but they used dangerous ingredients like mercury to lighten their skin.
The Renaissance period saw a shift to more colorful and dramatic makeup. Women wore white faces, red lipstick, and even fake beauty marks. In the 18th century, big, dramatic eyebrows were the trend. People would pluck their eyebrows and draw them on much thicker and higher up on their forehead.
Victorians in the 19th century preferred a more natural look, using makeup to enhance their features subtly.
The 20th century brought even more variety.
Flappers in the early 1900s loved bold red lips and smoky eyes. In the 1950s, the perfect makeup look was all about red lips, winged eyeliner, and flawless skin. The 1960s and 1970s were a free-for-all of bright colors, bold shapes, and even glitter!
Today, there are no real rules for makeup. It’s all about expressing yourself and wearing whatever makes you feel good, from a natural look to something dramatic and glamorous. So next time you put on makeup, remember the long history of this art form and all the interesting trends that came before you!