When you think of beauty, you automatically think of makeup. The whole nine yards, mascara, eyeliner, false lashes, blush, foundation, etc. Now think about what we associate with makeup? Authenticity. Ever heard, “She’s fake... her eyebrows aren’t even real,” or “ I bet she doesn’t even look like that without all that makeup she has on.” Or maybe, “Guys better take her swimming on the first date.” How about celebrities and YouTube royalties that have gotten their fame through tutorials and reviews?
Desi Perkins, Zendaya Coleman, Jeffree Star, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, etc. In 2016, for some odd reason, we’ve began to shame people for wearing makeup just like we have in the past. In ancient times, sometimes makeup was used for royal persons with a status as high as the ceilings in a cathedral. I guess some people think we’re not supposed to wear makeup unless we’re like that. Seeing as the majority of the world doesn't have the pleasure of being such, I’m here to give you a little history lesson on the plethora of tools we use to “fake up” our faces.
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The earliest historical record of makeup comes from the 1st Dynasty of Egypt (c.3100-2907 BC). Excavated tombs show jars, later found scented, that were used as a lotion to protect the skin from the dry heat of the searing African sun. Archaeologists found traces of darkened soot around the eyelids of many ancient bodies, indicating that both men and women used it for eyeliner daily. In Greco-Roman period, less was more. A white chalk-like powder was used to pale the face. Natural dyes from fruits like berries were used to put a hint of a tint on lips, and soot was used to shape the brows. Medieval period, any color to the face was to remain natural and undetectable. Venetian period, dramatic makeup was fashionable.
Also, while fashionable, the makeup was highly toxic to the skin. The more you wore, the more you had to wear. Flaming blush was also in. French period, blush was a statement piece to establish the aristocracy from the working class. Throughout this period, other countries became repulsed with French makeup and claimed the French had something to hide. The Victorian period, after Queen Victoria’s proclamation that makeup was sinful and shameful, to be seen wearing makeup was so. Any type of makeup was kept to a minimum and the only kind encouraged was the smallest bit of rice powder. The Flapper/Vamp period, dark and almost scary (“raccoon eyes”) type of makeup flourished in feminine culture. As a rebellion from the Victorian Era, women strived to do the exact opposite of what their past lives had been.
Fast forward to modern day. When I say modern day, I mean after the '30s. More colors were introduced through out the '50s and the '60s. For so long, natural colors were strongly encouraged; now women got the freedom to express themselves with greens, purples and blues without limitation. Who can remember the '80s? I mean, I wasn’t born then, but I’m sure we’ve all seen our parents’ yearbook and college photos, right? Perfect examples of the freedom women were granted through the power of makeup. Now in 2016, the trends are winged eyeliner, thick brows, contour, highlight, full lashes, etc. We see it every day on the TV at the Grammys, Oscars and any other televised event.
So to sum this entry up, I want to inform you guys how makeup has a powerful impact on culture. It shapes what a society’s woman would’ve looked like and lived, and leaves a physical and literal picture of the standard of beauty in that period of time. Beauty is much more than skin deep, it flows through each woman who has lived and is passed down to younger generations to continue to thrive. Whether you like it or not, our standard is pretty much set out but not in stone. In 2016, there are many endless ways to create, duplicate and just flat out do you.
That’s where I come in. I have endless tips, tricks and a deep knowledge of what can help you define who you want to be and the mark you want to leave on society. Nowadays, a woman doesn’t have to be defined by the stereotypical mold created by some uppity figure. The true source of beauty lies within her love for herself, and I am here to help you do just that.
