Make-up is one of the many tools used for self-expression. Whether it be a bright and elaborative look or a soft and natural look, make-up has given people the ability to transform how they appear.

Like many other tools, make-up has evolved over the years. With a history spanning centuries, there’s plenty to know about make-up and its development.

Make-up Over History

All over the globe, make-up has evolved in specific periods, the earliest being in Ancient Egypt. Here are the specific periods that dictate make-up’s history.

Ancient Egypt

The first use of cosmetics traces back to 4000 BC in Egypt per the discovery of make-up canisters and kits in tombs. Moreover, there’s the recorded use of kohl for thick eyeliner. Apparently, the thick eyeliner was meant to ward off evil spirits. Plus, it helped with the heat.

Today’s culture is heavily influenced by the ancient Egyptians. Much like the appeal today, the Egyptians were adorned with gold to complement their bold makeup palettes. Their gold pieces showcased status, ritual, and functional purposes, like deflecting evil spirits.

Roman Empire

Following Ancient Egypt, the use of make-up traces back to when the Roman Empire was still around.

At the time, people used make-up to show their status. Records show that people use powders to whiten their skin as a sign of high status. Aside from this, it’s said that people would create looks for large eyes, long eyelashes, and dark eyebrows.

The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages was a bleak time for make-up as it was seen as immoral to wear it. However, women were still expected to wear enough to get a husband. During this time, women got creative and crafted different lip shades with natural ingredients.

The Renaissance

The Renaissance period was a time where the popularity of pale skin, rosy cheeks, and tinted lips was at an all-time high. Compared to previous periods, however, women had more freedom to enjoy darker lip tints to make them pop out.

The Victorian Era

It was during the Victorian era that more natural looks gained popularity. Why? Mainly because heavy make-up looks were considered taboo. Rosy cheeks were the favoured look, so blush was the go-to cosmetic for this period alongside Rogue.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a wild time for make-up, with ever-shifting trends during specific periods.

For many periods, the natural look remained the popular choice but some make-up looks stand out from the rest. These looks include the smoky-eye, glam look in the 1920s and winged eyeliner and bright red lipstick look in the 1950s.

By the late 20th century, a fresh-face look was favoured, and since then, make-up looks have evolved into something varied and fun. If you had fun with the history of makeup, then you may be interested in how jewellery evolved over the centuries.

Make-up Today

Make-up these days comes with no shortage of options: the world of cosmetics is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, offering many choices for self-expression. From traditional foundations and lipsticks to innovative products like contouring palettes and holographic eyeshadows, there’s something to suit every taste and preference. The beauty industry has embraced diversity and inclusivity, catering to a wide range of skin tones, textures, and ages.

From the Roman Empire to the bold and chic use of gold in Ancient Egypt, we can still see many influences and trends that have evolved and are found in modern trends.

From A-list celebrities, influencers and everyday women, gold looks show sophistication and chicness, and bold colours show a more avante-garde or fun side. The beauty industry has truly embraced diversity and inclusivity, catering to a wide range of skin tones, textures, and ages.

Given the variety, one can have an exclusive beauty experience with gold cosmetics in various expressions.