A History of Cosmetics, Part 1
With billions of dollars spent globally each year on cosmetics, many of us may ask, “How did we get here?” When did daily makeup routines become such a common part of life? The truth is, the evolution of cosmetics has been gradual—shaped by centuries of tradition, cultural values, and innovation.
Let’s rewind over 4,000 years to Ancient Egypt.
The Egyptians placed immense value on cleanliness and personal appearance, believing physical beauty was closely linked to the health of the soul. Their use of cosmetics went beyond vanity—it served religious, medicinal, and protective purposes.
One of the earliest eye cosmetics was mesdemet, a greenish eye shadow made from copper and lead ore. Egyptians believed these dark shades could protect them from the "evil eye" and also served as disinfectants and insect repellents. Another iconic cosmetic was kohl, a black powder applied around the eyes in almond shapes. Kohl was made from a mix of lead, ash, ochre, copper, and even burnt almonds.
To add color to their faces, Egyptians applied a paste of red clay and water to their cheeks. Their nails were adorned with colors like orange and yellow using henna, a natural dye still used today in many cultures.
Greek Influence and Fatal Beauty Practices
As civilizations expanded and intermingled, the Greeks adopted many Egyptian cosmetic traditions. However, in their pursuit of pale complexions—seen as a symbol of beauty and status—they created foundations made with white lead, which was unfortunately toxic and often fatal over time.
Cosmetics in Ancient Rome: Extravagance Over Function
The Romans took cosmetics into even more exotic realms. Their beauty rituals prioritized aesthetics over health. Roman women painted their nails using sheep’s blood mixed with cooked animal fat. This shift marked a change in cosmetics from primarily protective or symbolic tools to luxurious enhancements. One Roman writer even noted, “A woman without paint is like food without salt.”
These ancient practices laid the foundation for modern-day cosmetics. Though today's products are backed by science and safety standards, the cultural drive for beauty and personal expression remains deeply rooted in our history.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore how cosmetics evolved through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and into modern times.