Discover the captivating journey of makeup evolution from ancient Egypt to modern times. Explore 8 iconic trends shaping beauty
From kohl-rimmed eyes of ancient Egypt to the perfectly contoured faces of today,
makeup has been more than just a cosmetic; it’s a reflection of societal values, cultural shifts, and technological advancements.
Journey with us through time as we explore eight transformative makeup trends that have left an indelible mark on the world of beauty.
The Egyptians: Masters of Enhancement
Around 3100 BC, the Egyptians were pioneers in the world of makeup. Both men and women adorned themselves with kohl, a dark pigment made from ground galena (a lead sulfide mineral), to line their eyes.
This wasn't just for aesthetics; they believed it offered protection from the sun and warded off evil spirits. Red ochre was used on lips and cheeks for a touch of colour, derived from clay and minerals. They blended these ingredients with oils or fats for smooth application.
Egyptians used natural elements that they believed had healing and spiritual properties. They saw makeup as a way to connect with the gods and achieve a sense of harmony and balance.
This practice was followed by priests, pharaohs and people from different classes who took meticulous care to adorn and transform themselves. Kohl defined their eyes and was applied using ivory, wood or metal sticks. Green malachite powder was also a very commonly employed beauty commodity.
Grecian Simplicity and Roman Opulence
Moving over to ancient Greece and Rome, we see a shift in focus. The Greeks favored a more natural look, emphasizing a pale complexion as a sign of nobility. They used crushed mulberries for rouge, and lead carbonate to whiten the skin – a practice that, unbeknownst to them, was harmful.
Romans, initially embracing Greek simplicity, later indulged in more elaborate makeup. They also used lead-based products for whitening, along with rouge made from ochre or vermillion and kohl for darkening eyelashes and eyebrows.
Wealthy Roman women had slaves dedicated solely to their beauty routines! Milk and honey masks were a popular part of their daily beauty routine. Applying scents and fragrant oils to the hair and body completed the look.
They appreciated simplicity in their outlook and tried to achieve symmetry and balance in their looks, while employing natural elements.
The Pale Faces of the Elizabethan Era
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) in England, pale skin became the ultimate symbol of status and beauty. Women used a mixture of lead and vinegar to achieve a ghostly white complexion, famously dubbed "the mask of youth.
" Red lips and cheeks were highly fashionable, achieved with vermillion (mercury sulfide). However, they gave much emphasis on eyebrows and hair and the Elizabethan era did not see much of eye makeup but a heavily laden base makeup. Eyes brows and foreheads were considered just as important.
High foreheads became a thing. This practice brought about by fashion trendsetters of high society was soon followed by the ordinary populous. This came with its risks, as the lead-based cosmetics were incredibly poisonous, causing skin damage, hair loss, and even death.
While beauty was highly prized, the methods used to achieve it were often hazardous.
Victorian Restraint: A Touch of Subtlety
The Victorian era (1837-1901), ruled by Queen Victoria, brought about a period of more subdued beauty standards in Western society. Openly wearing makeup was often considered vulgar, associated with actresses or those of questionable character.
However, women still sought ways to enhance their appearance subtly. They used mild cosmetics like rice powder to mattify the face and gently tinted lip balms to provide a flush. Many women resorted natural and home-made recipes. Pinching cheeks and biting lips created rosy and fresh look.
They even employed lavender water and homemade rosewater for soothing and pampering their skin. Victorians did not reject aesthetics altogether and resorted to means to pamper themselves and attain a natural yet elegant look.
The Roaring Twenties: Flapper Glamour
The 1920s witnessed a dramatic shift in makeup trends. With the rise of the flapper culture, makeup became an expression of liberation and independence. Dark, kohl-rimmed eyes, rouged knees, and a prominent cupid's bow lip were the defining characteristics of this era.
Compacts with mirrors and lipsticks became must-have accessories for women. The beauty culture of this decade was characterised by bold and dark looks that stood for rebellion against the subdued beauty culture of the previous era.
Art Deco designs and jazz culture played a large role in defining the looks. This decade saw a greater emphasis on cosmetic consumption with the emergence of makeup brands at affordable rates which saw to the rise of use of makeup by the middle class masses.
The Golden Age of Hollywood: Red Carpet Ready
The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of Hollywood glamour and its influence on makeup trends. Actresses like Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Rita Hayworth set the standard with their perfectly sculpted faces, defined eyebrows, and bold red lips.
Max Factor, a prominent makeup artist, played a crucial role in shaping the industry, creating the "Hollywood look" that became globally desired. Fine eyebrow pencils led the way to defined arches that characterized the decade. Smoky eyes were very popular and mascaras became a must in makeup.
The use of beauty products started entering the middle class sections of the population which ensured popularity of the glamourous looks popularised by Hollywood. This solidified the importance of the culture of makeup into our daily lives.
The 1960s: Mod and Psychedelic
The 1960s were a time of experimentation and rebellion, reflected in the era's diverse makeup trends. Twiggy, the iconic model, popularized dramatic eye makeup with heavy eyeliner, false lashes, and pale lips.
Psychedelic colours and unconventional looks became popular, reflecting the spirit of freedom and creativity. This era also saw the rise of vibrant eyeshadow colours, from pastel blues and greens to bright pinks and purples.
The cultural significance of the decade with the sexual revolution, space race, hippy culture and beatle-mania ensured dramatic shifts in makeup were here to stay.
The 1980s: Bold and Colourful
The 1980s was all about excess and boldness! Bright colours, heavy blush, and dramatic eyeshadow were the norm. Think neon pinks, electric blues, and purples. Contouring and highlighting became more prominent, sculpted looks.
Celebrities like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper heavily influenced the trends, promoting a glamorous and over-the-top aesthetic. It was marked as one of the most expressive periods in all of beauty history. The glam metal and punk aesthetics was quite prevelant and the beauty styles echoed it.
The bold looks encouraged people to stand out against all odds.
From its ancient origins to its modern-day iterations, makeup has continually evolved, mirroring the changing times.
Each trend has left its mark, shaping the beauty landscape and reflecting the desires and aspirations of women across different eras. As we look to the future, makeup continues to be a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and empowerment.
