Evolution of makeup

 In order to understand the constantly changing trends in cosmetics, it is interesting to take a look at the evolution of makeup.
The earliest historical record of makeup comes from the first Dynasty of Egypt (c.3100-2907 BC). Tombs from this era have revealed unguent jars, which in later periods were scented. Unguent was a substance extensively used by men and women to keep their skin hydrated and supple and to avoid wrinkles from the dry heat. The women of Egypt also decorated their eyes by applying dark green colour to the under lid and blackening the lashes and the upper lid with kohl, which was made from antimony (a metallic element) or soot. It is believed that the Jews adopted the use of makeup from the Egyptians, since references to the painting of faces appear in the New Testament of the Bible.
Roman philosopher Plautus (254-184 BC) wrote, “A woman without paint is like food without salt.” Of course, Plautus was a dramatist, which would explain his preference for the look of a “painted woman” at that time. Romans widely used cosmetics by the middle of the first century AD. Kohl was used for darkening eyelashes and eyelids, chalk was used for whitening the complexion, and rouge was worn on the cheek.
During the European Middle Ages, pale skin was a sign of wealth. Sixth century women used drastic measures to achieve that look by bleeding themselves, although, in contrast, Spanish prostitutes wore pink makeup. Thirteenth century affluent women donned pink lipstick as proof they could afford synthetic makeup.
During the Italian Renaissance, lead paint was used to lighten the face, which was very damaging to the wearer. Aqua Toffana was a popular face powder named for its creator, Signora Toffana. Made from arsenic, Signora Toffana instructed her rich clientele to apply the makeup only when their husbands were around. It’s interesting to note that Tofana was executed some six hundred dead husbands later.
During the Regency era, the most important item was rouge, which was used by most everyone. At that time, eyebrows were blackened and hair was dyed. Most of the country dwellers’ makeup recipes made use of herbs, flowers, fat, brandy, vegetables, springwater and, of course, crushed strawberries. During this era, white skin signified a life of leisure while skin exposed to the sun indicated a life of outdoor labour. In order to maintain a pale complexion, women wore bonnets, carried parasols, and covered all visible parts of their bodies with whiteners and blemish removers. Unfortunately, more than a few of these remedies were lethal.
Victorians abhorred makeup and associated its use with prostitutes and actresses (many considered them one and the same). As a beauty regimen, a woman would pluck her eyebrows, massage castor oil into her eyelashes, use rice powder to dust her nose, and buff her nails to a shine. Lipstick was not used, but clear pomade would be applied to add sheen. However, some of these products contained a dye to discreetly enhance natural lip colour. For a healthy look, red beet juice would be rubbed into the cheeks, or the cheeks would be pinched (out of sight, of course). When makeup began to resurface, full makeup was still seen as sinful, although natural tones were accepted to give a healthy, pink-cheek look.
The real makeup evolution actually began during the 1910s. By then, women made their own form of mascara by adding hot beads of wax to the tips of their eyelashes. Some women would use petroleum jelly for this purpose. The first mascara formulated was named after Mabel, the sister of its creator, T. L. Williams, who utilised this method. This mascara is known today as Maybelline. Vogue featured Turkish women using henna to outline their eyes, and the movie industry immediately took interest. This technique made the eyes look larger, and the word “vamp” became associated with these women — vamp being short for vampire.
However, the Victorian look remained in fashion until mass makeup marketing came about during the 1920s. The newly emancipated woman of America began to display her independence by free use of red lipstick, which was often scented with cherry. During the same decade, lip gloss was introduced and new shades of red lipstick were developed, although were soap-based and very drying.
From the 1930s through the 1950s, various movie stars proved to be the models for current trends in makeup. Remember Audrey Hepburn’s deeply outlined cat eyes? Clarins was established in Paris in 1954, to provide women with personalised care and beauty tips to help them look and feel their best. That commitment lives on today with their line of amazing products, each clinically researched to ensure the best efficacy and performance.
With the 60s and the hippies came a more liberated makeup look, from white lips and Egyptian-lined eyes to painted images on faces.
In a complete reversal of the toxicity and harm early makeup caused, Clarins is also a “green” company, which should interest consumers with a desire to protect the environment. Their goal of combining the best ingredients found in nature, with the powerful solutions found in the laboratory has not stood in the company’s way of preserving natural resources, helping to reduce waste and create a better environment for the world as a whole. In fact, their ongoing commitment to this is one of the reasons that the company has gained such high esteem in the modern marketplace.
Clarins has a wide range of makeup that covers all the gorgeous trends we see today, mentioned in last week’s article, including fun loving, indulgent, intriguing, passionate and glowing. But at the end of it all, when you’ve created the look you want, how do you keep it there?
Clarins Fix’ Makeup sets makeup by forming an invisible, super-sheer protective polymer film. One of the ingredients is 30 times more concentrated than rose water, so it keeps the skin soft, supple and hydrated. It also revives radiance and brightens the complexion with a boost of Vitamin C extracted from grapefruit, as well as controlling shine with absorbent silica microspheres. It is especially recommended for use throughout the day, in the dehydrating atmosphere of winter. When the weather gets hotter, Fix Makeup is perfect to spritz straight from the fridge.
Remember, life is more beautiful with Clarins.

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