How long has makeup been around?

Question

Which culture(s) used it 1st.

Answer 1

When Neanderthals roamed the earth, they accidentally discovered mascara when they touched their eyelids after stoking fire with bare hands.

Answer 2

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. In the western world, cosmetics were used throughout the medieval period, although their use was typically restricted to the upper classes. Cosmetics were also used in Persia and what is today the Middle East. After the rise of Islam, cosmetics were sometimes restricted, although Islam has no set prohibition against the use of cosmetics.

Cosmetics were widely used until the modern period. At some times, cosmetic use was frowned upon For example, In the 1800s, Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup impolite. It was viewed as vulgar and something that was worn by actors and prostitutes.

By World War II, cosmetics had common application for all classes, and for the upper classes in nearly all societies.

In Japan, geishas wore lipstick made of crushed safflower petals to paint the eyebrows and edges of the eyes as well as the lips. Sticks of bintsuke wax, a softer version of the sumo wrestlers' hair wax, were used by geisha as a makeup base. White paste and powder colour the face and back; rouge contours the eye socket and defines the nose. Black paint colours the teeth for the ceremony when maiko (apprentice geisha) graduate and become independent.

As of 2005, the cosmetics manufacturing industry is dominated by a small number of multinationals that all originated in the early 20th century. Of the dominant firms, the oldest and the largest is L'Oréal, which was founded by Eugene Shueller in 1909 as the French Harmless Hair Colouring Company, and is now owned by: Liliane Bettencourt 27.5%, Nestlé 26.4%, the remaining 46.1% are publically traded. The true market developers were the 1910s American trio Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein and Max Factor. These firms established the market and were augmented by Revlon just before World War II and Estée Lauder just after.

Answer 3

I saw a documentary on the History Channel not too long. There was a book written by a poet (I believe he was Grecian but don't quote me on it). He was advicing women on what to wear on their lips, eyes and cheeks in order to look more beautiful to the males. It was during a time when the leader of the country was outlawing any "improprieties." So, as with any good poet, he was kicked out of his country, as a way of punishment for having written this book.

To answer your question though, this was Ancient Greece (?) again I'm not sure on time frame or place, but make up is probably incredibly old. Since women used to use plants, etc to dye wool, they probably figured it would have other uses as well.

Answer 4

Makeup was around in Biblical days. Cleopatra and the Egyptians were using makeup in ancient Egypt.

Answer 5

The ancient Egyptians used make-up first. Both men and women used crushed green malachite for eye shadow, and crushed lapis lazuli for blue eye shadow. Kohl worn around the eyes became popular. Kohl was made from soot or lead, though kohl from soot, or burnt sticks, was preferred.

So basically, make-up has been around for at least six thousand years.

Answer 6

a year

Answer 7

Not sure, but Egyptians and African Indians used plants and their flower to make paint and use it on facial parts to either attract the opposite sex or frighten the enemy

Answer 8

The pharaohs. They made make-up from nature around them!

Answer 9

Forever!
Women used to use flower petals and burnt sticks to make up their faces!

Answer 10

since the Egyptians or the Aztecs.. the are wearing make up when doing those weird ceremonies...