From the copper and lead ore that the ancient Egyptians used to create the world’s first cosmetics to the scientifically advanced products of today that can do everything from hide pores, smooth complexions, and turn the pale green of your eyes a vivid shade of emerald, makeup has been an integral part of humankind for thousands of years. Over the centuries, women used burnt matches to darken their eyes, berries to stain their lips and young boys’ urine to fade their freckles. They even swallowed ox blood in some misguided attempt to improve their complexions.

Women throughout history put their health at risk with many of their homemade cosmetics. In some cultures, for example, women used arsenic, lead, mercury, and even leeches to give themselves the pale appearance deemed beautiful in the old days. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days of using toxic and deadly mixtures to enhance our looks.

Today’s multibillion dollar cosmetic industry must meet strict government regulations about what it can and cannot include in products and must follow safe manufacturing guidelines. Today, the most serious injury you’re likely to receive from your cosmetics is an irritation from a product that is too harsh for your skin, or an allergic rash from a fragrance or a preservative in the product. Yet, despite decades of safety testing and a safety record unparalleled in many industries, there are many myths circulating about the dangers of cosmetic ingredients.

Makeup during the Victorian era

The Victorian era was truly a time where the ladies of Europe began to embrace makeup and cosmetics. Ladies of leisure would often dust on rice powder to hid blotches, redness, and freckles. Zinc oxide and pearl powder was used to create a cosmetic powder that was highly popularized by sophisticated ladies of the time.

An early form of lip balm, a clear pomade much like beeswax, was applied to the lips every morning to not only protect against the elements but to also add shine. Eye paint or as we know it, eye shadow, was also a popular choice during the Victorian era though respectable women were very subtle with the amount of eye shadow they used at any given time.

Eye Shadow – Eye shadow is a cosmetic that is applied on the eyelids and under the eyebrows. It is commonly used to make the wearer’s eyes stand out or look more attractive.

Eye Shadow History – Invention of the Eye Shadow – Eye shadow is a cosmetic product that is applied on the eyelids and under eyebrows. When they say that eye makeup has been around for ages, it’s no exaggeration.

The History Of Eye shadow – From Ancient Egypt To Fashion Week – The birth of eye shadow can be traced 12000 years ago (10000 BC) to ancient Egypt, the same place where eyeliner can trace its roots.

The Makeup of Makeup: Decoding Eye Shadow – Women all around the world call attention to their eyes by adding color to their upper and lower eyelids.