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The History of Cosmetics
How the beauty industry has evolved
The modern term “cosmetic” originated in the ancient Roman public baths, used for an elegant physical hygiene system. The men’s bath included an unctuarium (a warm space of the ancient Roman bathrooms). Ointments for skin and facial care were applied to bathers by aliptes.
In the women’s bath, the ornatrix (A woman who beautifies another. A tire-woman managed female slaves who styled and dyed hair, applied facial makeup, performed manicures, and applied ointments to the skin.) The term for these slaves, cosmetae from the Greek cosmetikos (to arrange or to order), evolved into our modern word “cosmetic,” meaning to “beautify the body.”
For over 10,000 years, cosmetics have played a significant role in advancing from ancient civilization to the modern-day. Ancient men and women improved their looks and smell while curing irritating challenges to their vanity as baldness, grey hair, and wrinkles. In addition, cosmetics and perfumes were part of important religious beliefs and rituals in many ancient cultures, especially the dead’s burial.
Cosmetic products have a long, rich, and colorful history. They have been used worldwide for thousands of years to emote beauty, ceremonial and religious symbolism.
Ancient Egypt 3300 BC-
One of the earliest humans to use cosmetics were the ancient Egyptians. Both men and women used makeup to enhance their appearance. Ancient Egyptians were very concerned about losing hair and hiding wrinkles.
To promote hair growth, ointments were made from the fat or blood of various animals and reptiles. Creams to get rid of facial wrinkles were made of incense, wax, fresh olive oil, and ground cypress bark rubbed on the face. In addition, they used alabaster, natron, sea salt, and honey, all mixed with milk, to enhance their appearance. The use of black kohl eyeliner and eyeshadows in dark colors such as blue, red, and black was commonly shown and described in Egyptian art.
Indus Valley Civilization 3000–1600BC
The early art of cosmetics is believed to have originated in Egypt and India, but the earliest records of cosmetic substances and their application dates…
