Makeup has been a faithful companion to humanity, transforming over time and adapting to the cultural, religious, and social currents of each era. From ancient rituals to the latest digital trends, the history of makeup reflects the evolution of beauty and identity throughout the centuries. We invite you to immerse yourself in a journey through the different stages of the history of makeup, exploring how it has evolved and how it has impacted people's lives over time.
We highlight a series of influential women from each era:
- The Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra.
- The Iraqi priestess Enheduanna.
- The Roman empress Livia Drusila.
- The French philosopher Christine de Pizan.
- The Italian businesswoman Isabella de Medici.
- The German painter Anna Rosina de Gasc.
- The British scientists Mary Anning and Mary Buckland.
- The British "flapper girl" Clara Bow.
- The Spanish revolutionary Clara Campoamor.
- The American journalist Oprah Winfrey.
- The American model Kim Kardashian.
Makeup in ancient civilizations
Ancient Egypt: makeup rituals and symbolism on the Nile
Ancient Egypt is one of the earliest places where makeup acquired a profound meaning. It was not only used to beautify but also as a spiritual and protective tool.
This ritual was not only an aesthetic practice but also loaded with religious and social meaning. Both men and women used cosmetics, the skin was smeared with scented oils, and the eyes were lined with kohl, a mixture of minerals like galena; for the Egyptians, it had spiritual connotations and was believed to provide divine protection against the “evil eye.” The Egyptians also used natural pigments to color the lips and cheeks, with tones obtained from minerals like iron oxide.
Mesopotamia and Persia: early innovations and their impact
Makeup was a widespread practice among both men and women, focusing on beauty and protection. In Mesopotamia, fine mineral powders were used to adorn the face, and kohl was applied to the eyes to enhance the gaze and as an amulet. Women also used scented oils and ointments to care for the skin and hair, reflecting a strong interest in hygiene and personal appearance.
In Persia, makeup played a similar role, with an emphasis on elegance and social status. The Persians used facial powders to smooth the skin and natural dyes to highlight the lips and cheeks. Both empires shared the belief in the power of makeup to attract beauty and repel negative influences.
Greece and Rome: aesthetics and health in ancient beauty
Makeup was a symbol of status and refinement. Roman women, in particular, were famous for their elaborate beauty rituals that included facial masks made of honey and natural oils. However, makeup also had its detractors, and in certain periods of Roman history, excessive use was frowned upon by moralists. Despite this, the makeup techniques of these civilizations laid the foundations for what would come in later centuries.
Transformations in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
The darkness of the Middle Ages: rejection and resurgence of makeup
During the Middle Ages, makeup fell out of favor in much of Europe, associated with vanity and sin. The Catholic Church disapproved of its use, linking it to lust and deceit.
Despite these restrictions, noblewomen continued to use powders to lighten their skin, a sign of status and purity at that time. They used flour powders and other minerals to whiten the face, despite health risks. Blush and lipstick were used sparingly, made from plants such as saffron and alkanet root.
Eye makeup was less common due to its association with vanity. However, in some regions, women darkened their eyebrows and eyelashes with charcoal or soot.
Renaissance: The rebirth of beauty and cosmetic excesses
During the Renaissance, makeup experienced a resurgence, reflecting the growing interest in beauty, art, and fashion. Pale skin remained an ideal associated with purity and high social status. To achieve this, women used white lead powders, despite their toxicity. A subtle blush was applied to the cheeks, made from natural pigments like carmine, to give a healthy appearance.
Lips were highlighted with soft shades of red or pink, while eyebrow care was essential; many women completely removed their eyebrows or drastically thinned them, then drew them in to achieve an ideal shape. The use of perfumes and aromatic oils was also popular, not only to beautify but to mask odors. Makeup at this time combined art with sophistication, seeking a balance between natural beauty and elegance.
The 18th and 19th centuries: From aristocracy to the industrial revolution
Rococo and excessive beauty: influence of the French nobility
In the 18th century, under the influence of the French court, makeup became a true obsession. Women (and some men) wore heavy layers of white powder and exaggerated blush.
Makeup was a public statement, especially with the use of artificial beauty marks strategically placed on the face to highlight flirtation and hide imperfections. Eyebrows were thinned and darkened to give more expression to the gaze. This heavy makeup, along with lavish hairstyles, reflected the opulence and playful spirit of the time.
The Victorian era: morality, modesty, and the fight against makeup
The Victorian era brought a drastic change. Queen Victoria openly disapproved of makeup, seeing it as a vulgar tool of the lower classes. Despite this, social pressure to maintain a neat and healthy appearance meant makeup continued to be used, though more subtly and privately.
Blush was used very sparingly, using homemade remedies or discreet products made from beetroot or rose petals, only to give a healthy touch of color. The emphasis was on the appearance of purity and virtue, so makeup was minimalistic. However, cosmetic care and beauty products were common, but always applied in a way that looked natural and effortless.
The 20th century: The era of innovation in makeup
1920-1940: flappers and Hollywood glamour
The 20th century saw the birth of modern makeup as we know it today.
The makeup of the flappers In the 1920s, it broke with traditional norms, reflecting a new era of freedom and boldness. These young, modern women adopted a daring style with intensely red lips, smoky eyes, and thin, arched eyebrows. The use of dark lipstick and black eyeliner became iconic, creating a dramatic and seductive look that challenged traditional norms. This style was greatly influenced by Hollywood cinema, which began popularizing cosmetics on an unprecedented scale.
The glamour of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s took makeup to new heights, popularizing the image of movie stars as symbols of sophistication and elegance. Perfect skin, well-defined red lips, and long, curled eyelashes became the beauty standard. This style, inspired by screen divas, greatly influenced makeup trends, making glamour an aspirational ideal for many women.
1950-1970: the explosion of color and female liberation
In the 1960s and 1970s, makeup experienced an explosion of color, reflecting the spirit of change and female liberation. These decades saw women breaking traditional molds, adopting bold and creative styles that expressed their individuality and freedom. The eyes became the main focus, with vibrant eyeshadows in shades like blue, green, and purple, combined with thick eyeliners and false eyelashes that accentuated the gaze.
Lips were also filled with color, from nude tones to the most intense reds and pinks. Pop culture and fashion of the time, influenced by movements like mod and hippie, encouraged unprecedented experimentation with makeup. This era marked a time when women began to use makeup not only to enhance their beauty but also as a form of self-expression and empowerment.
1980-2000: the era of extravagance and globalization
From 1980 to the present, makeup has become a symbol of creativity and cultural diversity. The 80s stood out for their maximalism, with intense and contrasting colors, bright eyeshadows, bold lips, and defined contours. This decade embraced excess, reflecting a spirit of boldness and self-expression.
With globalization, makeup trends began to blend and spread rapidly through mass media, creating a melting pot of styles. From natural looks to the most elaborate, everyone can find inspiration anywhere in the world. The influence of social media and influencers has democratized access to products and techniques, allowing makeup to be a tool for empowerment and a platform for diversity and inclusion, where each individual defines their own beauty.
21st Century Trends: makeup in the digital age
2000-2020: From natural to experimental, makeup on Social Media
The 21st century has witnessed the digital revolution, which has transformed the way we consume and interact with makeup. Social media, in particular, has played a crucial role in popularizing new trends. From contouring popularized by Kim Kardashian to natural beauty looks promoted by influencers, makeup has become greatly democratized and diversified.
Currently, makeup has become a form of artistic and personal expression, reflecting the diversity and individuality of each person. With the evolution of trends and the inclusion of innovative technologies, such as long-lasting products and high-quality formulas, makeup offers a wider range of options to suit all styles and preferences. From elegant minimalism to the boldest and most colorful creations, modern makeup celebrates creative freedom and authenticity. Additionally, the growing awareness of sustainability and ethics in production has led to an increase in the use of cruelty-free and eco-friendly products. In summary, modern makeup not only enhances outer beauty but also empowers people to feel confident and authentic in their own skin.
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