Cosmetics have been around for at least 6000 years and found in almost every society on our planet. The most well documented use of cosmetics was in Ancient Egypt where kohl was used to line the eyes and setting lotions made with beeswax and resin were found during archaeological digs.
In addition to enhancing an individual’s beauty, certain tribes such as the Native Americans and Aboriginals in Australia painted their faces for ceremonial events or even to go to war.
Here’re some facts about make up that we’ve definitely not made up.
- Guanine is an ingredient that’s used in makeup that’s shimmery such as lipstick. This ingredient is derived from fish scales which has a pearly look to them.
- In 200BC, Ancient Greek women used white lead powder and chalk to lighten their skin. Unfortunately, white lead could cause disfigurement and death.
- Don’t sleep while wearing mascara because it makes your lashes stiff making them more likely to break while tossing and turning.
- Mascara needs to be changed every three months to prevent bacterial infections.
- If you have an eye infection during the three-month period, throw away the mascara to prevent a relapse.
- In the 1500s, Queen Elizabeth the First thought that lipstick had lifesaving powers and when she fell ill, she would put on more lipstick. When she passed away, Queen Elizabeth I had on almost a half-inch of lipstick.
- Tip: Next time you’re applying foundation, remember to blend it into your neck to ensure that the color is even because sometimes our faces aren’t the same tone as our neck.
- The first deodorant was called Mum and appeared on the market in 1888.
- Nightingale faces was used in creams that help lighten dark circles, and protect your skin against wrinkles. Today, plant extracts such as chamomile and aloe vera have substituted the role of nightingale faces.
Reference: Huffington Post; Harvard Law School
