Beauty has its own story

By Georgia Kotsiopoulou

There have been centuries of history of beauty and of make-up before we reach today’s shiny color palettes of eye shadows, glitters and lip glosses. Before we are called beauty-maniacs and we overcharge our credit cards on the one hand and we overload our make-up cases on the other.

Ancient Greece

While dozens of cosmetic companies worldwide nowadays are competing to create the most stable make-up in the market, according to centuries old Greek mythology, Aphrodite had discovered cosmetics and Helen of Troy was the woman who made them famous. An oily substance based on calcium, chalk and flour was lighting up the skin of the Ancient Greek woman and that is what we call today fond de teint. The simplicity of the classical world is also obvious in the way they used make up, and it reminds us of what we try to adopt today: the nude look or the natural look.

Ancient Egypt

Archaeological finds have shown that the ancient Egyptians discovered the first cosmetic recipes. Their make-up reminds us of modern fashion editorials; wild and dark black-lined eyes and eyebrows made from the kohl plant. As an eye shadow they sometimes used a green powder from malachite and the few times that they would color their lips they would simply apply a pale red color. It looks as if the tendency for “emphasize eyes or lips, but not both” dates way back.

Ancient Rome

Glam, bright colors and heavy make-up were the characteristics of cosmetic use in Ancient Rome. They achieved bright red cheeks by applying sodium, and very pale faces by using chalk dissolved in vinegar. This was the typical make-up for the ancient Roman women. They would line their eyes with very dark black and the colored eye shadows they used were made out of ground sea shells. All this reminds us of the fashion of the 80s, with the bright color eye shadows, limitless red blush, eye liner and bright red lips, paired with bright pink tights and long, lime-green shirts instead of white togas.

China

The well-cared-for nails of the Chinese bourgeoisie were especially esteemed. The Chinese women used vegetable broths to color their cheeks and the edge of their tongue. They would wash their faces with tea and moisturize with milk. Taking care of themselves and being beautiful was an art that was expensive, but definitely considered worthwhile.

Middle Ages to the 18th century

For many centuries only actresses and women of “loose morals” were allowed to use make-up. Spotless, pale skin was the norm. They would only use white powder, and they would very discreetly color their lips and cheeks. No perfumes were used in the Court of the French King Louis, as he could not bear the smell.

Today

Reaching the 20th century, natural products are preferred and cosmetics do not contain toxic or chemical substances. There are no boundaries in make- up and women have learned how to show off their strong characteristics and how to disguise their weaknesses.

The art of make-up and beauty looks as if it is recycling through the different ages and civilizations, always a little bit more modern, a little bit fresher, but always keeping the basic elements of its roots.

Photos:

traditions.cultural-china.com

mathildasanthropologyblog.wordpress.com

holidaysegypt.net

Related Posts:

• Η δύναμη των στοιχείων της φύσης εντάχθηκαν στην ομορφιάThe power of natures’ elements enter the beauty market
• Project iPhone : makeover στη στιγμή!Project iPhone : makeover on the go!
• Ευτυχώς, δεν είμαι μόνηThank God, I am not alone!
• Ουδέν κρυπτόν υπό τον ήλιον…Nothing hidden from the sun!
• Μικρές μικρές ατέλειεςSmall defects