Ancient Egypt's Use of Kohl
Ancient Egyptians used kohl, a mixture of soot and other ingredients, to line their eyes. This was not only for aesthetic purposes but also believed to protect against the evil eye and infections.
3000 BCE
1000 BCE
Cosmetics in Ancient Greece
In Ancient Greece, make up was used to enhance natural beauty. Women applied white lead to lighten their skin and used crushed mulberries as rouge for their cheeks.
1st Century
Roman Beauty Practices
Roman women used a variety of make up products, including chalk to whiten their faces, rouge made from red ochre, and eyeshadows from saffron and other natural ingredients.
Middle Ages
Pale Skin as a Status Symbol
During the Middle Ages in Europe, pale skin became a status symbol indicating a life of leisure. Women used mixtures of lead and vinegar to achieve this look, despite the health risks.
1500s
Elizabethan Era Make up
In the Elizabethan era, Queen Elizabeth I popularized the use of white lead and vinegar for a pale complexion, along with red wigs and elaborate make up styles.
1700s
Rococo Era Cosmetics
The Rococo era saw an increase in the use of make up among both men and women in France. Brightly colored rouge and elaborate face powders were popular.
1800s
Victorian Era Modesty
During the Victorian era, make up was often associated with actresses and prostitutes. Modesty was emphasized, and women used subtle, natural-looking products.
1915
Invention of the First Modern Lipstick
Maurice Levy invented the first modern lipstick in a metal tube, making it more portable and convenient for women to use.
1920s
Flapper Era Make up
The 1920s saw a dramatic shift in make up trends with the flapper era. Dark, smoky eyes, bold lips, and a more liberated approach to cosmetics became popular.
1930s
Hollywood Influence
Hollywood glamour influenced make up trends in the 1930s, with stars like Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich setting the standards for beauty and make up styles.
1950s
Post-War Make up Boom
The post-war era of the 1950s saw a boom in the make up industry, with brands like Max Factor and Revlon introducing a wide range of products to meet the growing demand.
1960s
Mod and Hippie Influences
The 1960s brought diverse make up trends, from the mod look with heavy eyeliner and pale lips to the natural, earthy tones favored by the hippie movement.
1980s
Bold and Bright Make up
The 1980s were characterized by bold and bright make up styles, with vibrant eyeshadows, heavy blush, and striking lip colors reflecting the decade's exuberance.
1990s
The 1990s saw a shift towards minimalism in make up, with the grunge movement favoring a more natural, understated look, contrasting with the previous decade's excess.
2000s
Rise of Digital Beauty Influencers
The 2000s marked the rise of digital beauty influencers, with platforms like YouTube and Instagram becoming key in shaping make up trends and promoting new products.
2010s
Diversity and Inclusivity
The 2010s saw a push for diversity and inclusivity in the make up industry, with brands expanding their shade ranges to cater to a wider variety of skin tones.
2020s
Sustainable and Clean Beauty
The 2020s have seen a growing emphasis on sustainable and clean beauty, with consumers demanding eco-friendly packaging and non-toxic, ethically sourced ingredients.
