The history of cosmetics spans thousands of years of human history and is found in all corners of the world and in every society. In the beginning, natural materials were taken for cleaning - coal, plants and even precious metals. Of course, everything changes over time. Not only cosmetic composition, but also usage habits and fashion trends! Archaeological discoveries give us an insight into what cosmetic techniques were used in ancient times!
One of the oldest remedies on Earth that was used to prevent various ailments was herbal treatment. The oldest document that confirms this is the Abbas papyrus, which dates back to the 16th century. before our era. It describes several hundred recipes for cosmetic and medicinal products. Including a recipe for making an anti-wrinkle cream (based on sheep fat, pine cone seeds, sesame seed oil, goat's milk and beeswax). This shows that already in ancient times man was aware of the majesty of nature and its gifts.
One of the fruits in which Israel abounded, symbolizing love and fertility, was the pomegranate. From its juice, seeds and bark, a remedy was prepared, which was used to nourish the skin. It was also used to add a blush to the face. Lavender and cinnamon leaves were used to treat skin diseases and were also used to treat various infections. Most of these plants are still widely used today in the production of cosmetics. . There is also the mineral-rich and world-famous Dead Sea salt and black mud, which are used in many skin care procedures both in ancient times and now.
Ancient Egyptians had a wide range of cosmetics and accessories. One of them was the charcoal used to mark the eyes. This charcoal was made from lead, copper, burnt almonds, soot and other ingredients. Ancient civilizations believed that marking the eyes (for both women and men) warded off evil spirits and improved eyesight. There were also hair and body care rituals in which coconut oil, almond oil, plant flowers, essential oils, bee products, as well as the famous Cleopatra's milk and salt baths were widely used.
Earlier than 2000 AD. in what is now Iraq, ladies used perfume and used colored pigments to highlight their eyes and lips. They were made of minerals, and ladies kept decorative cosmetics in shells.
Ancient Greek women, on the other hand, used white powder to lighten their skin and tinted their cheeks with blush. Greek and Roman women were particularly noted for their beautiful and intricate hairstyles, and they often dyed their hair or wore wigs. From the women of Ancient Rome, we have learned how to get rid of excess body hair. Roman women used razors, tweezers and even special creams for this purpose. The widespread use of olive oil in hair and skin care is also borrowed from here.
In ancient China, gold powder in cosmetics was a means of smoothing facial wrinkles and softening the skin; gold was also used in acupuncture. Gold dust stimulates and improves skin tone, promotes skin elasticity, long-lasting hydration, prevents premature aging and gives skin vitality, thereby maintaining youth. In addition, cosmetics with gold also pleases the eyes, because the pigments added to it give the skin a wonderful appearance - a light glow, just like a golden reflection. In combination with precious essential oils, this glow also acquires a charming aroma. True, just like in Egypt, in Ancient China, such beauty care methods were a royal pleasure.
Although lipstick, or lip pomade, did not get its name until 1880, people painted their lips as far back as ancient civilizations, and it was a common indicator of social status for both women and men. Ancient Divupe civilizations are most often mentioned as the first. The Sumerians used fruits, henna, clay and insects to make lipstick, but later they also turned to finer natural resources with greater luster - crushed precious and semi-precious stones. Similar to Western cultures, lipstick was used in the Far East to emphasize social status and attract members of the opposite sex. In China, the first lipsticks were made from beeswax 1000 years ago, they were intended to protect the lips and create the desired shape. On the other hand, in Japan, the blush obtained from safflower flowers showed a small amount of sophistication. This material cost as much as its amount in gold. In the 17th century, lips were also painted in Europe, following the example of kings and actors, both men and women.
Hair curling began in the Middle Ages - women did it with heated tongs. With vegetable dyes, they made their faces pinker, and also painted their nails and started plucking out their eyebrows. In the 16th century, people began to pay even more attention to their appearance. In addition to all the benefits of previous years, women and men began to use manicure accessories. White skin became a symbol of high status and wealth, as female workers were exposed to the sun while working outdoors. Therefore, white powder was used a lot in an attempt to give the impression of an aristocratic pallor. Although the lead in the end further deepened the damage caused by the skin disease, this powder was still used until the 19th century.
On the other hand, with the Industrial Revolution, the production of cosmetics for mass consumption began, although many women still continued to prepare it themselves. The care for the external appearance has survived for millennia, preserving some historical details and supplementing them with scientific and technological achievements. Therefore, there are as many cosmetic products, rituals and recipes as there are people - everyone has their own perspective and application.
Nowadays, you can get lost in the vast jungle of offers, so it is important to set your own basic criteria to guide you when choosing cosmetics.