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I’ve always been fascinated by makeup. A few years ago, I discovered an absolutely incredible book called The History of Makeup by Maria Tatar. In it, she talks about how cosmetics were used in ancient Egypt and Greece and how the first beauty products came from things we would never expect. Now that I know what goes into my favorite lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, foundation and more…I can’t help but wonder if there’s a way to do some DIY projects at home with these ingredients!
Contents
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is one of the most popular makeup products, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a quick way to add color and definition to your eyes–but did you know that this product has actually been around for thousands of years?
In ancient Egypt, women used kohl eyeliner made from crushed minerals like malachite or galena as a base before applying their eyeshadow. This gave them a bolder look while also protecting their skin from sun damage (which was important back then). Today’s eye shadows are still made from these same minerals but are mined and processed instead of being crushed by hand like they were in ancient times!
Lipstick
Lipstick is one of the most popular and versatile cosmetics in existence, but did you know that it was originally made from crushed insects? Yes, that’s right. Lipstick was originally made from crushed cochineal beetles! The red dye found in these bugs was used to color lip balms for thousands of years until people learned how to make synthetic dyes.
In addition to being a natural red pigment, cochineal beetles were also known as “food of the gods” or “blood of Christ” because they were thought to have healing powers when consumed by humans (weirdly enough). If you weren’t aware of this fact before reading this article then now may be an opportune time for me to remind you never eat anything without first researching what exactly it is made out of!
Mascara
Mascara is one of the most popular makeup products in the world. But did you know that mascara actually has its roots in coal tar?
Coal tar is a byproduct of the coal industry, which dates back to at least 3500 BC and has been used for centuries as an ingredient in cosmetics and medicine. It’s also what gives some mascaras their black color–and it can even cause health problems.
Foundation
Foundation is the most common skin care product. It’s used to cover up blemishes, even out your skin tone, and make you look prettier.
The first foundations were made from a mixture of pigments (colors), waxes, oils and water. The pigments were usually made from minerals like iron oxide (rust) or copper oxides that would give the foundation its color; these days most brands use synthetic dyes instead because they’re less expensive and easier to produce in large amounts. The waxes help keep the mixture together so it doesn’t run off your face when you sweat or get wet in bad weather; some people also think they help prevent breakouts by keeping dirt away from pores too! Finally there are emollients like glycerin or lanolin added at different stages during production: these substances moisturize skin while also helping hold onto moisture within our bodies so we don’t lose too much water through evaporation when outside temperatures rise above freezing levels during summer months – which can lead towards dehydration if left unchecked over time
Eyeliner
Eyeliner is a cosmetic used to define the eyes. It can be in the form of a pencil, liquid or powder. The use of eyeliner dates back to ancient Egypt, where people used kohl (a dark powder made from ground antimony) as their primary means of lining their eyes.
It’s hard to believe that all these products have such humble beginnings!
You’re probably familiar with the makeup products you use every day, but do you know where they came from?
All these products have humble beginnings! Eye shadow was originally used as a way to protect the eyes from sunlight and dust. Lipstick was originally used as a way to clean up wounds. Mascara was invented so that women could protect their eyes from dust while working in coal mines or other dusty environments (and also because it makes your eyelashes look longer).
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Remember that every product you use has a long history and many people who have worked hard to make it possible for us today. So next time you pick up your favorite lipstick or eyeshadow, take a moment to appreciate all of these amazing people!
