History of Cosmetics

For centuries, many civilizations have used cosmetics in countless and different ways. Whether it was to promote good health, to be used in religious rituals or to refine beauty, cosmetics had been with us all over the way over the course of centuries.

The knowledge of the first cosmetics ever found in history is usually traced back to the ancient Egyptians. Many Egyptian tombs contained makeup recipients and boxes; Queen Cleopatra used lipstick made of grounded carmine beetles, while other women used clay mixed with water to color their lips.

Egyptians became pioneers in hygiene and health cosmetics; they used a wide range of oils and lotions to scrub and soften their skin and disguise body odor. The hot sun and dry winds encouraged them to use oils and creams as sunscreen as part of their ritual.

Nevertheless, cosmetics tell us much more about the ancient civilizations. In some cases, like the Chinese royals for instance, they used gum Arabic, gelatin beeswax and egg to stain their fingernails as an indication of their social status. People with lower rank were not allowed to apply bright colors on their nails. Japanese women were known for using rice powder to make their faces whiter and Greek for using white lead instead and crushed mulberries as rouge. Also, fake eyebrows, often made of ox hair, were very popular in the ancient Greece.

During the year 1200 and as a result of the Crusades, perfumes arrived to Europe from the Middle East. In the following centuries, Italy and France would position themselves as the main cosmetics manufacturers for aristocrats and France will take the lead on fragrances for the first time in history. But not everyone liked cosmetics so much during a time where makeup was sometimes seen as vulgar and adequate only for actors; Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper.

It is only around the 1900 that beauty salons become popular, but due to the fact that many women do not want to publicly admit they use these services to enhance a more beautiful look, the back doors were often used to enter salons. Nowadays, we are all used to enjoy cosmetics and perfumes and our life without them it is just unimaginable!