Dramatic Eye Makeup’s Origin

Thursday, March 25th, 2010 at 7:38 am

Cosmetics have been around for centuries. There are accounts of make up being used in the Old Testament and in some ancient texts of Asia. It wouldn't be surprising if the use of cosmetics went back as far as the cave men days. Not surprisingly the first and actual evidence of cosmetic use was found to be in ancient Egypt.

Way back as far as 3 millennia before Christ the Egyptians were using make up to enhance the eyes and face and even scents. In those times people of both sexes used make up for the face and eyes. This use of cosmetics was also picked up by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Jews. There are even specific stories in the bible where use of cosmetics was used to bring out the beauty of eyes.

But as far as rest of Europe goes is wasn't until the 15-16th century where beauty enhancing products became fashionable. It was mainly used by the aristocracy and the wealthy. But it Did not receive the blessings of the church, basically the church discouraged the use of it. Later on we see different attitudes towards make up in general, until of course with the arrival of the 20th century. Before that unless ones profession was an actor or prostitution using make up was frowned upon.

By the middle of the 20th century cosmetic use was in wide spread use in nearly all industrialized societies. By this time a better understanding of materials that were being used for the manufacture of cosmetics became known. There was a time when poisons like lead and mercury were being used. People who used such products heavily became very ill. But heavy government regulation changed all that and stopped such use of poisons.

Today cosmetics are a 19 billion dollar industry. The popularity of cosmetics, especially in the U.S rose dramatically and women of all ages began to use them. The dramatic eye make up as we know it Today started in the 1960’s. Eye liner was used to enhance the look of the eyes. Of course Today there's a better understanding of different colors and when to use different shades for different color eyes.

Want to find out more about Dramatic Eye Makeup, then visit Alexander Stone’s site on how to learn the ideal Eye Makeup Techniques.

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