The History of Makeup Artistry

The history of makeup artistry began over 6,000 years ago.

The history of makeup artistry is indelibly tied to the history of makeup all over the world. Many cultures have used makeup over the centuries, but only a few have documented their use of makeup to show its importance in culture and society. The foundation for modern makeup artistry began over 6,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptians, notorious for their vanity, painted their faces regularly. By the Middle Ages, a completely different look became popular, and makeup followed the trend. When Max Factor introduced "pancake makeup" to Hollywood in 1914, modern makeup artistry was born.

Ancient Egyptians

Dating as far back at 4000 B.C., Egyptian wall carvings and motifs display facial makeup on both men and women. History shows that using kohl for eyeliner was an accepted practice for both males and females. Eye makeup was applied most often with a small, smooth stone; like obsidian. According to the Minnesota State University at Mankato eMuseum, Egyptians first used a green color around their eyes and eyebrows, made from an oxide of copper. In time, black became the color of choice for the eye area. According to Makeup artist-world.com, ancient Egyptians also ground carmine beetles, to make a red powder used for lips and cheeks. This was applied with a brush. They also wore white makeup to protect their faces from the sun.

Middle Ages

Pale makeup, which produced an extremely pale skin tone, was a sign of wealth and the aristocracy in Europe during the Middle Ages. The use of makeup is well documented in Greco-Roman history where women used chalk to lighten their skin, according to according to Duke University Libraries. Like the Egyptians before them, Greeks and Romans also used kohl for black eyeliner.

The "Sick" Look

The history of makeup artistry took a strange turn in the 1900s when women began buying makeup and cosmetics that would help them look sickly. TB was rampant in the United States in the early 1900s, and many women who had TB looked pale and gaunt. The "look" caught on, and makeup in this era created dark under-eye circles, and crimson lips to accentuate pale skin. Duke University Libraries indicated the makeup and skin lighteners used in the 1900s were made of toxic chemicals. Lipsticks were made of mercuric sulfide, a poisonous substance. The common skin lightener had a lead-based ingredient that could result in sickness and even death.

Max Factor

An immigrant from Poland, Maximillian Faktorowicz first introduced his makeup line to Hollywood studio executives in 1914. Max Factor, as his makeup line became called, invented a type of foundation that worked well with the industry's Technicolor film. Called "pancake makeup," the foundation actually caked less and showed less cracking than the makeup used prior to Max Factor. Hollywood makeup artistry also reversed the trend from pale faces to tanned skin. Many tanning products and makeup that added a bronze glow were sold in the 1940s and 1950s.

Modern Makeup

Modern makeup artistry finds inspiration from society's obsession with youth and vitality. Most modern makeup contains sunscreens and moisturizers to appeal to the health-conscious consumer. Mineral makeup is one of the newer breakthroughs in the makeup industry today. By using safe, finely ground minerals, fine lines and wrinkles can be hidden more effectively, and skin is able to breathe; causing fewer breakouts and skin damage.

References

• Duke University Libraries: "Brief History of Beauty and Hygiene Products" - Lydia Boyd
• Makeup artist-world.com: "History of Makeup"
• Makeup artist-world.com: "History of Makeup--Egypt"