The History of Makeup Essay

Many users from YouTube gain fame because of their jaw dropping makeup skills. They perfect everything they can in the most artistic way. Their colorful eyeshadows can be seen from miles away along with their flawless porcelain skin. Unlike food and medicine herbs, makeup wasn’t created by Mother Nature. Makeup has been around since the 1600’s, each generation improving every cosmetic created. The cosmetic that people get eager to buy? The foundation. Foundation has been known for the way it covers imperfections, provides an even skin, and give the desired finished - matte or dewy. It comes in many different formulations, including liquid, cream,

The psychology of beauty is complex not just because the concept of beauty is as yet undefined, but also because it is largely true that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder or how individuals perceive other people or things. The importance of beauty has been taught since the first civilizations. It is known that the cave people of the Mesolithic period (around 10,000 B.C.) softened their skin with castor oil and grease, and also used plant dyes to tattoo their skin. Lipsticks first appeared in the ancient city off Ur, near Babylon, 5000 years ago. Ancient Greek women painted their cheeks with herbal pastes made from crushed berries and seeds. A dangerous development of beauty

Of course, like any beginner, it took time to get the hang of it; but the allure of new designs and bright colors ensured I didn’t stay clueless for long. However, not everyone supported this interest. Friends wondered why I had changed, especially since I had been at the same school since kindergarten. Any difference was magnified, and often unwelcome. But for me, makeup represented more than a way to be cool or pretty-- it meant I was free to grow and

This was because of the fact that it covered up and masked a woman's face. “Paint” was usually associated with people like prostitutes and dancing girls, obviously showing it was not completely welcomed in society. Makeup was considered uncommon because cosmetics had a completely different connotation in the decades prior to the 1920s. It was used to even skin tone and for making women’s skin look healthier. Transitioning to the 1920’s, it was all about obtaining a “new” and “bolder” look, one that would make women look completely different than they did normally.

Historians believe makeup was invented by ancient Egyptians to enhance their outer beauty, however, the makeup used included lead that was known to be highly dangerous. Once the lead-based makeup was further investigated in the 20th century, it became a thing of the past. (“Color Them Extraordinary With a Makeup Career”) I believe that makeup artists have the ability to create anything out of anyone, and that they have a unique canvas to paint on; the human body. Applying and learning about makeup has been an interest of mine ever since I was little, and it only made sense to start looking into a career in the world of makeup artistry. Makeup artistry as a career interests me because I’d wake up knowing that my job for the day is exercising my creativity and help make others feel confident. If one is truly interested in makeup, this career never feels like a job. (Clark)

There is a major misunderstanding between makeup industries and women of color. This is a result of the lack of understanding of the needs of the diverse consumer. There is an absence of knowledge and empathy for others that are not white. When we consider these factors we have to think about the creators of these products. Often times they do not look like us, so how can we expect for them to meet our needs. This form of discrimination can place a direct discouragement on women of color’s self-esteem. This exclusion in an attempt to purchase foundation for their skin tone is what race relation’s specialist, Nadra Kareem Nittle calls “colorism.” In her article “What Is Colorism-Skin Tone Discrimination in America,” she describes colorism as the disadvantage dark skinned people face, while privileging those with lighter skin. Colorism is rooted in slavery, as slave owners typically gave preferential treatment to slaves with fairer skin complexions, while dark skinned slaves faced harsher mistreatment out in the fields. Makeup companies favor their white counterparts, often only providing a few shades that do not meet the needs of women of color.

Do you know that Americans spend 426 billion dollars each year on makeup and beauty products? But, they’re not the only ones. Did you know Egyptians used wigs, lotions, makeups, and many other unique products in their everyday lives? Egyptians used makeup and beauty products for many different reasons.

Have you ever watched a movie and wondered how something was created? A simple scar, a horrific creature, even a mutilated limb can be created to a mystifying degree of realism. Special effects makeup has been, and always will be a passion of mine. Over the years, I’ve found myself to never really pay attention to a movie that plays, but rather, always be fascinated with the little details that no one really notices. I’ve always sat and wondered exactly how certain effects were created. The curiosity as lead me to attempt to recreate some of the effects that I’ve seen. Research has lead me to acquire a vast knowledge of the molding process that makeup artists use to create prosthetics, I have become familiar with well-known makeup artists, and I have discovered certain replacements for the time consuming processes that may occur during the creation phase.

Accordingly Makeup can be used for many things. The ancient Egyptians used makeup made from oils and cream to help clean and

The idea of cosmetology and beauty was commenced by ancient tribal hunters. It is believed that they would smear ash under their eyes and use animal urine to alter their smell. This is where the idea of eyeliner and perfume originated (Schurman). Around the world cosmetology is being introduced like Egypt is suggested to be one of the most ancient culture that associates with cosmetics. Make up to them was really significant especially to the royal egyptians. Their idea of eyeliner was made up of lead, ash and mercury. The use of this eyeliner helped reduce glare, prevent any type of infection, and mostly to make their eyes beautiful (Schurman). Now the Chinese ancient culture had mixtures of natural ingredients to produce stimulating nail polish. The nail polish to these people were sign of wealth (Murphy). In ancient Rome and Greece those who could afford it would receive baths in lotions. They wore perfume, face powder, blush, eyeliner, and lipstick. During this period it was discovered that oils, lotions, and animal fat have beautification properties (Schurman).

It was not only till the Nineteenth century where makeup became gender inclusive to society and became a women dominated industry. As the years progressed society was conditioned to think that makeup was made for women. Outside ancient Egypt women had done above and beyond to enhance their beauty to become better suited for a mate or to be considered beautiful. Before makeup was even introduced to world, women went to the extremes of using burnt matches to darken their eyes, using berries to stain there cheeks and lips, and even swallow oxblood to improve overall complexion. And if it wasn’t for the help of social media, men would still be struggling to this day to get the cosmetic recognition that they deserve. Gender roles has always created social boundaries for not only men but for women as well.Women have also dealt with the hardship of trying to be accepted in a society. Since the nineteenth th century restraints of not being able to vote, or work has carried on to the Twentieth century. Women are taken seriously when it comes to sports or having physical strength. Till this day women are making less on their paychecks compared to men. Both genders have their disadvantages and both deal with trying to break the labels that have been created. A new societal culture is happening and regardless of gender the traditional constraints that have been created it is becoming less significant in not only the

Though there is not an exact date when humans started using cosmetic products, many historians are convinced that the earliest historical record of makeup comes from

When it comes to us women wearing makeup, it seems like we are shamed if we do, and shamed if we don’t. Although, the face powder in Renaissance era were harmful to skin, I am still glad that they came up with the idea. Without the Renaissance’s idea of face powder, Mr. Max Factor would not have invented the pancake foundation. Half of my makeup collection are: cake foundation, liquid foundation, face powder, setting powder—you name it. What can I say? Perfect skin ideal is hard to emulate, especially if you are genetically prone to acne. Nevertheless, it seems as though, whether you embrace the significance of makeup or choose to step out of the house—"bare-faced," you will be criticized either way. Because one day you attended a family gathering

Through each generation, makeup symbolizes how women are superior, however, society today has misinterpreted the intentions of makeup believing that it is a response of the lack of confidence and there are these accusations made of it promoting false advertisement. Currently, these statements provoked some makeup artists to come together and create a challenge called #ThePowerOfMakeup, as an act of protest to spawn the true understanding that makeup is not an excuse for women, or men, to cover up their inner beauty from society. Therefore, the controversy is whether the introduction of makeup has become an option for women to mask their insecurities or is its considered an artistic way for people to express their individuality. Nevertheless,

“Makeup has been used to enhance the beauty of both men and women for over thousand years. It its through teaching others how to apply makeup, we can strive to help others feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Wearing makeup help embrace our natural features and may also help express the ideas in a creative way like art.”