31 Strange Makeup Facts We Bet You Didn't Know Before!

Akinwalere Olaleye
Oct 12, 2023 By Akinwalere Olaleye
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
info_i
Discover some amazing makeup facts that are sure to blow your mind.

Makeup has been used to enhance beauty since the beginning of time.

Cosmetics are substances that are applied to the human body to enhance the way we look, which can improve how we feel. They are usually made up of a variety of chemical components, some of which are acquired from natural sources and others that are synthesized.

Government rules mean that some materials cannot be used in cosmetics, which safeguards the safety of customers all around the world. The demand for beauty products has only grown as a result of the fact that most cosmetics are made with skin-friendly chemicals.

The world of cosmetics will continue to develop as more time passes and as needs develop and change.

Today, there are cosmetic products for just about anything! There is hardly anybody who does not own and use some form of cosmetics. Continue reading to learn about the history of cosmetics.

Origin And History Of Makeup

For a clearer picture of how the makeup industry has evolved, it's intriguing to look back at its progress through time. Men and women have used cosmetics for a long time, but fashion has evolved drastically throughout this period. Here is the evolution of cosmetics.

The term 'cosmetic' comes from the Greek language. It comes from the Greek term 'kosmos,' which means 'adornment' or 'arrangement'. This is also the origin of the name of renowned magazine, Cosmopolitan.

In Ancient Egypt, cosmetics were an important aspect of health and cleanliness. To protect their skin from the sun and the dry breeze, Ancient Egyptians used tablets and lotions. Natural oils were used as base materials in fragrances and religious rites.

To paint their eyes and lips scarlet, the Aztecs used dried cochineal beetles.

Nail polish is said to have originated about 3000 BC in China. Egg whites, beeswax, colored powder, and gum Arabic were used to make it.

Women in Ancient Greece used plant extracts or arsenic to lighten their hair.

Egyptians are also credited with inventing perfume, which they used aesthetically and therapeutically.

While working alongside Elizabeth Taylor, other women on filming locations are said to have been forbidden from wearing red lipstick by Taylor herself.

It was fashionable for ladies in the Middle Ages to be hairless, whether on their heads or on their faces. Women would even go so far as to conceal their brows with cosmetics. This why the 'Mona Lisa' does not have any brows in the portrait by Leonardo da Vinci.

Before the development of blush, women used to squeeze their cheeks to give themselves rosy cheeks.

Use Of Makeup In Asia

Whether you like a natural appearance or a full-on glam look, there's no disputing that various products and application methods can produce drastically different results. Continue reading to learn more about the beauty standards and use of makeup in Asia.

Nail polish was created in Ancient China, but only the nobles and aristocracy could afford it. If ordinary people were found wearing it, they were executed.

The first lipstick was created over 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia when ladies used rare gem dust to color their lips.

Lightweight, luminous foundations dominate the makeup industry in Asia.

Natural finish concealers with extremely little coverage are used to create Asian make-up looks.

Asian make-up styles keep the eyes nearly naked. They only dab a little orange or pink eyeshadow along the upper lash line and a peach eyeliner on the lower waterline.

The ombre and gradient lip trend is an Asian beauty trend that requires just a little color and a lot of lip balm.

Asian women generally prefer to wear light make-up.

Makeup Trend In Europe

The European cosmetic scene has seen a lot of changes. Now, the industry is a science-driven and highly inventive sector that plays a leadership role in product creation.

During the Elizabethan age, Elizabethan women went to great lengths to maintain their beauty. Arsenic and lead were used to give a porcelain complexion.

They also believed that lipstick had mystical powers. Queen Elizabeth I was wearing lipstick when she passed away.

To make black hair coloring, ancient Romans fermented leeches in vinegar.

Belladonna drops were used by Roman women to make their pupils seem bigger. Because belladonna is a toxin, this practice was short-lived.

Upper-class women did not apply cosmetics in the Victorian era since it was exclusively worn by stage actresses and working-class women.

Coal tar was used as mascara, eyebrow pencil, and eyeliner during the Elizabethan era. Coal tar is combustible, has a foul odor, and would often blind people.

Ancient Romans despised people with flaws including wrinkles, freckles, and other skin blemishes. When it came to anti-wrinkle remedies, the Romans tried using swan fat or donkey milk to soften wrinkles.

Growth Of The Makeup Industry

Cosmetics have become a part of our everyday lives. Cosmetics sales bring in millions of dollars for brands like Chanel and MAC each year.

Globally, the beauty and cosmetic sectors are valued at more than $200 billion.

According to research, women spend around $15,000 on cosmetics throughout the course of their lives.

In the '20s, Coco Chanel popularized the suntan. Previously, a tan indicated that you were a low-wage field laborer.

Scraping the eye with a mascara wand is the most frequent make-up related injury.

In 1919, the first patented nail polish was released. The color was a pale pink tint.

Cosmetic surgery is a $20 billion industry. Since 1997, the number of plastic procedures in the United States has climbed by more than 220%. The industry keeps growing at a rapid rate as beauty ideals change.

FAQs

Who invented makeup?

The first documented use of makeup was by the Egyptians.

Who first wore makeup?

Egyptians were the first people to wear makeup. Kohl was also used by Egyptian ladies to darken their lashes and upper lids. The bottom lid was also given a dark green hue.

What gender was makeup originally for?

Makeup was originally worn by men. Men have used cosmetics in a variety of ways for millennia, dating from 4000 BCE through the 18th century.

What country spends the most on makeup?

The US spends the most on cosmetics products.

What is the oldest makeup brand?

Shisheido is the world's oldest makeup brand. It was established in 1872.

When was the first time makeup was used?

The ancient Egyptians were the first to employ prototype cosmetics from 3100 BC. Numerous Egyptian tombs had makeup jars and kits.

Does makeup come from animals?

Yes, makeup comes from animals. Most products include tallow. The substance is made by boiling animal corpses to produce fatty by-products.

What race wears the most makeup?

Caucasians use and wear the most cosmetic products.

What was the first makeup ever made?

Cleopatra's lipstick was made from pulverized carmine beetles. Oher ladies colored their lips using clay mixed with water.

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

Sources

https://thoughtcatalog.com/kara-nesvig/2015/02/25-little-known-facts-about-makeup/

https://www.ypulse.com/article/2021/09/21/the-biggest-beauty-trends-to-know-in-western-europe-in-2-charts/

https://bethbenderbeauty.com/blogs/tips-tricks-everything-in-between/15-makeup-facts-that-may-surprise-you

https://www.holleewoodhair.com/facts-about-cosmetics/

https://www.zarias.com/30-interesting-facts-makeup-cosmetics/

https://www.bhcosmetics.com/pages/resources-makeup-and-cosmetics-history

See All

Written by Akinwalere Olaleye

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Akinwalere Olaleye picture

Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State. 

Read full bio >