History of Cosmetics

Introduction to Cosmetics

10,000 BCE

Makeup and cosmetic products have played very important roles in human history. Colored cosmetics were used to prepare for battle and enhancing the dead before their burial. Cosmetics have influenced things like religious practices and the health of the general population. Taking a brief look into the history of cosmetic products is vital to the understanding of their present use and the many advancements they have had overtime. Makeup originally started in prehistoric times.

Queen Elizabeth I

1500

During the 1500s when Queen Elizabeth I was in court she popularized the fashion of stark white faces and painted lips. Unfortunately, the white face paint contained toxic ingredients that could cause serious illnesses.

Geisha Girls

1700

In Japan, one of the most iconic cultural images in their country was the beautiful Geisha. They were Japanese women who study the ancient tradition of art, dance and singing. They were characterized by their traditional costumes and makeup. These women took to wearing thick white makeup on their face because it looked better in the light, they intention was to create a porcelain look for the purpose of creating prominent facial expressions which could be clearly visible.

Zinc Oxide

1800

Zinc oxide becomes widely used as a facial powder, replacing the previously used deadly mixtures of lead and copper. One such mixture, Ceruse, made from white lead, is later discovered to be toxic and blamed for physical problems including facial tremors, muscle paralysis, and even death. Queen Victoria publicly declares makeup improper. It is viewed as vulgar and acceptable only for use by actors.

First Deodorant

1888

Early attempts to bask body odor such as soaps, colognes and perfumes finally became outdated in 1888 with the appearance of the first waxy antiperspirant called Mum. This product from United States was effective, but was very hard to apply and remove from body. The deodorant who was first to capture public attention was Everdy, easily-applied aluminum-chloride based antiperspirant who quickly became copied by dozens of companies.

Hair Dye

1907

In 1907 Eugène Schueller, a young French chemist, created the first synthetic hair dye. L'Oréal, which was a blend of harmless chemical compounds. The dyes were a breakthrough at the time, they provided a subtle range of colors in contrast to other methods on the market, which use henna or mineral salts but produce a bright, somewhat artificial look.

Mascara

1915

The first ever modern commercial mascara made was named after Mabel who was the sister to the creator, T.L Williams. Who made this mascara simply by mixing petroleum jelly and carbon soot together. This mascara is known as Maybelline.

Makeup evolving

1920

The 1920s were a big century for cosmetics. The first ever pressed powder was introduced and it included a mirror and a puff for touch ups. Soon to follow was pressed powder blush. Also during this time was first liquid nail polish. Then came George Burchett who was known as "beauty doctor" came up with the idea to tattoo lipstick on lips. However, their were many consequences to this invention.

Eyelash Curler

1930

The first ever commercial eyelash curler came about called "Kurlash". It was expensive and difficult to use, this did not effective its popularity among the public.

Coppertone Sunscreen

1944

In 1944, chemist Benjamin Green developed the first ever sunscreen. He set out to make a lotion that would darken tans while allowing you protection from the sun. It later evolved into the name brand we know today as 'Coppertone Sunscreen'.
http://www.patentplaques-blog.com/invention-of-sunscreen/

Crest toothpaste

1955

In 1955, the first ever toothpaste that was proven to fight off cavities and have fluoride was named 'Crest' a brand still very well known and used today.
https://beachpackagingdesign.com/boxvox/donald-deskeys-toothpaste-tubes

Covergirl

1961

Covergirl is an American cosmetics line founded in Maryland and introduced by Noxzema. They one of the first brands to be sold in grocery stores and targeted to teens (who before weren't accepted to wear makeup it was only the adult women who were socially accepted in wearing makeup). This company advertised by having "cover girls" like models, actresses, and singers wear it when they appeared on the cover of women's fashion magazines.
http://cosmeticsandskin.com/companies/cover-girl.php

First Afro-American Products

1970

In the 1970s in the United States the first ever Afro-American products are launched on the market and advertised on magazines like vogue.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/history/bygone-beauty-and-body-origins-cosmetics-ancient-world-005539

Anti-aging

1993

In 1993 the term "anti-aging" is coined. Its use is make the consumer look younger by reducing, masking or preventing signs of skin aging. Found mostly in moisturizer based skin care products, targeting signs of wrinkles, sagging, redness, dark spots and much more. This was a big deal because women were starting to become more and more concerned with keeping up with times and looking younger than they were.

Present Day Makeup

2000

Although makeup in this decade was overall worn to enhance one’s beauty, it became somewhat bolder, with better lasting power and better ingredients overall. Makeup is everything now…nude and natural makeup, red lips, smoky eyes, bright eye shadows, silver eye shadow, fake tans and pink are dominant.
https://galoremag.com/gwen-stefanis-eye-shadow-collab-will-have-you-replacing-your-naked-palette/

Citation for pictures

2018

1: https://www.entitymag.com/history-makeup-throughout-20th-century/2: https://www.ancient-origins.net/history/bygone-beauty-and-body-origins-cosmetics-ancient-world-0055393: http://www.modernsoutherner.com/blog/2014/5/24/full-inch-of-makeup4: https://yandex.com/collections/card/589ccf5cb478831c79a91afd/5: https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Mum_(Deodorant)6: http://www.katetattersall.com/early-victorian-era-make-up/7: http://www.gurl.com/2015/06/18/history-of-hair-dye/#1

Citation Part 2 for pictures

2018

8: https://powdercompacts.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/where-can-i-get-a-refill-for-my-vintage-pressed-powder-compact-refills-for-stratton-kigu-convertible/9: http://glamourdaze.com/2012/10/mascara-maybel-williams-and-the-maybelline-story.html10: https://www.lancaster-beauty.com/en/skincare/total-age-correction/amplified-retinol-oil-night-cream11: https://www.todocoleccion.net/coleccionismo-revistas-periodicos/antigua-publicidad-kurlash-ondula-pestanas-instantaneamente~x7936856