History of Makeup

Many women try to become beautiful, so they make up their face and keep their youth. However, the way to use makeup today is different from ancient times. Let’s study the history of makeup!

People who lived in ancient Japan painted their face and body red. In ancient times red was thought to have strong power related to the color of the sun, blood, fire, the soul, and so on. They used red for as a holy color. Well, how was makeup used in other countries? People in ancient Egypt made perfume and used makeup around their eyes black. The birth of makeup was related to religion in Egypt, too.

In ancient Rome, Greeks painted their faces white. Fair skin was thought beautiful in Rome. Many women used white powder and cheek rouge. It was considered to show high status. However, these cosmetics contained much lead and silver sulfide. Then, their skin became rough and people could become poisoned and die. In Japan, not only women but also Kabuki actors were injured by the same chemical substances in Edo period.

In ancient Rome, makeup was dangerous. However, many women didn’t stop making up their faces. Why? I think many women hope to become beautiful and charming now, just as in the past. This idea hasn’t changed for a long time. Though the government forbade women to use makeup, they didn’t stop. They clung to beauty.

Today, cosmetics have improved with scientific progress. Thank to scientists’ efforts, now we can use safe cosmetics. I think, we can get many cosmetics now, but there is a long history and many scientists’ efforts in the background. We should try to cherish these now we can use cosmetics safely and easily.