Back to basics
Make goes back a long time, longer than we care to think about. It didnt start in the 60's when flannel and bright colours were all the rage. Even though makeup has greatly evolved, it has been around for centuries. Ancient civilization had strict codes of use and reasoning behind it, though all in all, the core essence was always the same: divine beauty. Even though the meanings behind why we wear makeup may have changed over the years, I believe it is essential to know where one comes from in order to understand where one is going. So heres a brief history lesson.
The first archaeological evidence of makeup was found in Ancient Egypt in the 4th Century BC. The colour of their nail varnish for example was used to denote class. They believed that eye makeup had the power to ward off evil spirits and improve eyesight. Even the poor wore eye makeup, men and women alike.
The ancient Romans also used a lot of makeup. They even used a Foundation to cover up skin imperfection. The main producers of their makeup were usually females slaves that were called "Cosmetae". The word Cosmetics however is actually derived from the Greek word "Kosmos"(cosmos) which means order and is also what they called the universe, because before the universe came into being there was chaos (Kaos). That order they considered a beautiful thing and therefore the word cosmos was used to also describe things of beauty.
Persia, which is now the known as the Middle East had a strong idea of beauty and therefore used many kohl based cosmetics. Only after the Arabs converted ti Islam and conquered the Persian lands did teh use of makeup decrease. But not by much, only certain guidelines were put in place, such as the makeup cannot be used in a way to either disguise the real look in order to mislead others, or be the cause uncontrollable desire in men.
In China, like in Egypt, people would stain their fingernail to represent social class. The Chou dynasty royals wore gold and sliver, later royals wore red and black while lower classes were forbidden to wear any bright colours on their nails. Makeup was also extensively used for stage performances.
In Japan the most obvious example of the use of cosmetics were the Geisha. These were skilled entertainers and performers, that contrary to popular belief were generally not sex workers. These women entertained men with anything from dance to light conversation and flirting. Geisha's used very specific makeup techniques to perfect their look. Each aspect of thir makeup was there for a purpose and had a particular meaning. For example the length of the eyebrows show maturity. A younger Geisha would have shorter eyebrows than an older more established one.
In Europe between the 1400's and 1800's one of the most important and fashionable differentiator of class was a lighter skin tone. This was due to the fact that the poorer lower classes generally worked outdoors, which lead them to tan and therefore their skin would be darker. The rich spent more time indoors relaxing and therefore wouldn't tan. This then evolved into an over the top deliberate whitening of the face using cosmetics to further state ones social class. The white 'mask' also helped to hide age.
Native tribes such as the Native Americans used natural paints to paint their faces and bodies for ceremonial purposes as well as in times of war and for battles. Many other tribal cultures had similar practices.
Today our reasons for wearing makeup as well as the kind of makeup we wear has changed, but the core and essence seems to remain the same. Beauty and social status are still the driving force for many.
Geisha on Wikipedia 2010. Retrieved October 9, 2010
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha
The journey of a blank canvas...
Saturday, October 09, 2010
History of Cosmetics on Wikipedia 2010. Retrieved October 9, 2010
Elleview n.d, History of Cosmetics. Retrieved October 9, 2010
A Chaple of our Mother God n.d, The Phylosophy of Cosmetic. Retrieved October 9, 2010
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