Where did makeup originate?
The earliest historical record of makeup comes from the 1st 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 color 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 section of the Bible.
The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is found in Ancient Egypt around 4000 BC. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics. The Romans and Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics containing mercury and often lead. The Biblical book of Esther describes various beauty treatments. In the western world, the advent of cosmetics was in the middle ages, although typically restricted to use within the upper classes. Cosmetic use was frowned upon at some points in history. For example, in the 1800s, make-up was used primarily by prostitutes and Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper, vulgar, and acceptable for use by actors, only. Adolf Hitler told women that face painting was for clowns and not for the women of the Master Race. By the middle of the 20th century, cosmetics were in widespread use in nearly all societies around the world.
