The History Of Makeup

Makeup has never been just about beauty. From ancient civilizations to today’s influencers, cosmetics have reflected society’s values, status symbols, religious beliefs, and personal identities. While it’s easy to think of makeup as a recent trend, the truth is far more intricate. At Own It Beauty Bar in Toronto and Mississauga, we celebrate beauty in all its forms offering a blend of artistry, education, and care. But to truly appreciate where we are now, we must look back at how makeup has evolved over the centuries.

Ancient Beginnings: Makeup in Early Civilizations

Makeup dates back thousands of years, with different cultures using natural ingredients for decoration, protection, and symbolism.

Egypt – Beauty and Spirituality Intertwined

• Ancient Egyptians used kohl around the eyes, not just for appearance but also for sun protection and to ward off evil spirits.
  
• Malachite, a green mineral, was used to paint eyelids.
  
• Red ochre served as blush and lip tint.
  
• Both men and women took part in these beauty rituals, often linked to religious and cultural practices.
  

Greece and Rome – Refinement and Class

• Pale skin was associated with nobility, achieved using lead-based powders (which had severe health effects).
  
• Greeks favored natural looks, while Romans indulged in scented oils and colored cheeks.
  
• Lip and eye makeup were common but subtle.
  

India and Eastern Traditions

• The use of kajal, turmeric, and sandalwood dates back centuries.
  
• In Indian traditions, cosmetics often served both spiritual and aesthetic roles.
  
• Decorative elements like the bindi had cultural significance.
  

Medieval to Renaissance Period: A Tenuous Relationship with Beauty

As the centuries passed, views on makeup shifted due to religious influence, class structure, and emerging European beauty ideals.

Middle Ages – Pale and Pure

• Christianity’s growing influence labeled cosmetics as vain or sinful.
  
• Women aimed for a pale, untouched appearance, achieved through bloodletting or dangerous white lead.
  
• Heavy makeup was avoided, but some used subtle methods for rosy cheeks or clean skin.
  

Renaissance Era – A Return to Color

• The “natural beauty” look made a modest comeback.
  
• Women used crushed berries for lips and cheeks, and egg whites for a luminous skin finish.
  
• Aristocrats would still pursue very pale complexions, using white powders with questionable ingredients.
  

Extravagance to Discretion: 18th to Early 20th Century

As modern cosmetics started to develop, makeup shifted from dramatic to demure, influenced by politics, royalty, and societal norms.

France in the 1700s – Extravagant Displays

• Nobility wore thick white powders and rouged cheeks.
  
• “Beauty patches”, or fake moles made of silk or velvet, adorned the face.
  
• Cosmetics signified wealth and power more than natural beauty.
  

Victorian Era – Subtlety and Secrecy

• Queen Victoria’s stance made cosmetics socially unacceptable for respectable women.
  
• Women used homemade formulas like beet juice or ash for minimal enhancements.
  
• Everything was applied privately makeup was not to be discussed openly.
  

The Flapper Movement – Breaking the Mold

• The 1920s brought bold lips, smoky eyes, and bobbed hair.
  
• Women expressed independence through makeup.
  
• This was the birth of compact powders, mascara tubes, and the idea of makeup as a daily essential.
  

Hollywood's Influence: The Glamour Years

With the rise of cinema in the 1930s to 1950s, Hollywood helped shape global beauty trends.

• Movie stars like Marilyn Monroe popularized red lips, winged eyeliner, and matte skin.
  
• Brands such as Max Factor and Revlon became household names.
  
• Women looked to the screen for inspiration, fueling a growing cosmetics market.
  

Changing Trends Through the Decades: 1960s to 1990s

1960s – The Mod Look

• Inspired by model Twiggy, makeup became eye-focused.
  
• Dramatic lashes, bold liner, and pale lipstick defined the era.
  

1970s – Earthy and Expressive

• A response to the natural and bohemian movement.
  
• Warm tones, bronzers, and free-spirited experimentation ruled.
  

1980s – Big Hair, Bold Makeup

• Everything was exaggerated: blush, eyeshadow, contouring.
  
• Makeup matched fashion’s loud colors and structured styles.
  

1990s – Minimalism Returns

• The supermodel era brought neutral lips, brown tones, and a matte finish.
  
• Less was more pared-back looks dominated the decade.
  

21st Century: Personal Expression Meets Innovation

Today’s beauty scene is diverse and driven by social media, inclusivity, and creativity.

• Makeup tutorials on YouTube and TikTok have made cosmetic education accessible to all.Brands now focus on vegan, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly formulas.
  
• There’s been a notable shift toward gender-inclusive beauty.
  
• From contouring to glazed skin, new trends emerge at lightning speed.
  

Why Makeup Matters More Than Ever

For many, makeup is more than appearance it's part of their routine, identity, and emotional well-being.

Here’s what makeup can offer:

• A sense of confidence during social events or work
  
• An outlet for creativity and self-expression
  
• A connection to cultural traditions and personal rituals
  
• A way to practice self-care
  

Bringing Beauty History to Life at Own It Beauty Bar

At Own It Beauty Bar, we believe in celebrating every chapter of makeup’s story. Many of our services draw inspiration from historical beauty rituals while staying current with modern techniques. Whether it’s powder brows, lip blush, or semi-permanent makeup, we use today’s tools to help you feel your best.

If you’re ready to experience makeup as both an art and a celebration of self, visit us at our Toronto or Mississauga location. We also offer makeup artistry training perfect for those who want to dive deeper into this rich tradition.

Final Thoughts

The history of makeup is a vibrant, ever-evolving journey that spans cultures, centuries, and styles. What began as ritual and protection has become a daily practice, a creative outlet, and a form of self-care. At Own It Beauty Bar, we’re proud to be part of this ongoing story helping our clients feel beautiful, confident, and unique every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. 1 Who first invented makeup?

A. Ancient Egyptians are among the first recorded civilizations to use makeup for both spiritual and cosmetic purposes.

Q. 2 Why did people wear makeup in ancient times?

A. Makeup served multiple roles sun protection, spiritual symbolism, class identity, and health.

Q. 3 When did makeup become mainstream?

A. The 1920s marked the start of makeup as a regular part of women's routines, especially with the rise of compact and portable products.

Q. 4 How is today’s makeup different from the past?

A. Modern makeup emphasizes skin safety, wide shade ranges, gender inclusivity, and digital influence via social media.

 

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