Introduction: Makeup is more than just decoration
For thousands of years and up to the present day, makeup has not merely been tools for beautification or colors painted on the face—it has been a cultural and civilizational language that speaks what words cannot. It reflects the evolution of humanity, portrays the status of women in society, and reveals how standards of beauty have shifted from one era to another. While today it is seen as a means of self-expression through social media, in the past it was part of religious and symbolic rituals associated with health, protection, and even spiritual power. This blend of aesthetic and symbolic meaning makes the history of makeup a fascinating journey that begins with the secrets of the Pharaohs and continues through to the trends of the digital age.
Who were the first to use makeup? The first touch of beauty at the dawn of civilizations
تشير الاكتشافات الأثرية إلى أن المصريات القديمات كن أول من أتقن فن التجميل قبل ما يزيد عن 6000 عام. الجداريات التي خلدت وجوه الملكات مثل الملكة نفرتيتي وكليوباترا تعكس براعة استخدام الألوان والخطوط لتزيين العيون والشفاه وإبراز ملامح الوجه. لكن اللافت أن المكياج لم يكن حكراً على النخبة، بل انتشر بين النساء في مختلف الطبقات، حيث مثل جزءاً من الروتين اليومي الذي يجمع بين العناية الصحية والزينة.
The ancient Egyptians did not view makeup as a luxury, but as a means to protect the skin from the harsh desert sun and to safeguard the eyes from infection. Every cosmetic touch had a practical or spiritual significance, confirming that makeup at the dawn of civilizations was not just a luxury, but a necessity that touched their daily lives.
Ancient Egypt: Where kohl was born and beauty was revered
It is difficult to talk about the history of makeup without mentioning ancient Egyptian kohl, which was one of the most distinctive features of both women’s and men’s appearances. Kohl was made from natural minerals such as black galena and green malachite, and it was believed to protect the eyes from infections and reduce the glare of the sun. Therefore, kohl was not just for cosmetic purposes, but also served as treatment and prevention.
In addition to kohl, red ochre derived from iron oxide was used to color the lips and cheeks, giving women a healthy and attractive appearance. As for skincare, it relied on natural oils such as almond oil and castor oil, as well as creams made from animal fats and perfumes extracted from flowers. These methods not only preserved the freshness of the skin but also laid an early foundation for the concept of ‘self-care’ that we continue to practice today.
What is astonishing is that the cosmetics found in the pharaohs’ tombs closely resemble some modern products, which confirms that the ancient Egyptians were true pioneers in the beauty industry.
Makeup in Classical Civilizations: Greece and Rome
Makeup traditions moved from Egypt to ancient Greece, but the aesthetic philosophy there was completely different. Greek women preferred a natural look, with clear skin being the highest standard of beauty. To achieve this, they used white lead powders to lighten the face, with simple touches of plant-based colors on the cheeks and lips. Beauty for the Greeks was associated with purity and harmony, not exaggeration.
As for the Romans, they took a bolder approach. Roman women did not hesitate to use kohl to define their eyes, chalk to lighten their skin, and even a mixture of berries as lipstick. However, Roman society was divided in opinion: while makeup was a sign of wealth and elegance, excessive use was seen as a sign of lack of modesty. This duality in perspective reflects the beginning of a long debate about makeup that continues to this day.
From the Far East to Europe in the Middle Ages
In ancient China, makeup took on a distinct social dimension. Nail polish made from beeswax and gelatin was a symbol of social status, with bright colors reserved for the imperial family. As for the white face made from rice powder, it was an indispensable beauty mark for Chinese women.
In contrast, the status of makeup declined in Europe during the Middle Ages, as the Church considered it a sign of vanity and deceit. However, aristocratic women did not abandon it entirely, but rather secretly used certain products, particularly complexion-lightening powders. Makeup during this period was controversial, with both public rejection and covert use.
Renaissance: A strong comeback of makeup into the spotlight
With the onset of the Renaissance in Italy and France, interest in makeup returned strongly, especially among women of the wealthy classes. A pale face became a symbol of aristocratic beauty, prompting women to use various powders to achieve it. Queen Elizabeth I was a prominent example of this fashion, with her flawless white face and red lips, which became an icon of English beauty.
At this stage, makeup was no longer just decoration, but a means of displaying social status and power. Every color and every detail reflected the class to which a woman belonged.
The Twentieth Century: The Revolution of Modern Makeup
The twentieth century represents a real turning point in the history of cosmetics. Thanks to cinema and Hollywood stars, makeup became accessible to ordinary women, not just the elite.
- The 1920s: The bold “flapper” look emerged with dark eyes, defined lips, and thin eyebrows.
- The 1950s: They witnessed the peak of femininity with Marilyn Monroe, where winged eyeliner and red lipstick were an irresistible trend.
- The 1960s and 1970s: characterized by diversity, from the thick eyelashes of model Twiggy to the natural look of the ‘hippie’ movement.
- The eighties and nineties: They were loud with bold colors, then became simpler with earthy tones towards the end of the century.
Makeup has become a means of expressing individual identity during this period, rather than just a collective fashion trend.
Makeup in the Digital Age: Freedom and Creativity Without Limits
Today, makeup no longer follows fixed rules. Thanks to social media, it has become a platform for experimentation and personal creativity. Beauty influencers on YouTube and Instagram have introduced new ways of applying makeup, bringing millions of women into the world of cosmetics in an enjoyable educational manner.
تُركز صناعة التجميل الحديثة على المنتجات الطبيعية والعضوية، مع تزايد الوعي الصحي والبيئي. كما أنها أصبحت أكثر شمولية، حيث توسعت درجات الألوان لتلائم جميع ألوان البشرة، مؤكدة أن الجمال حق للجميع.
More importantly, digital technology has provided new tools such as augmented reality, where different looks can be tried virtually before applying them. It is a revolution that makes makeup an art without limits.
Conclusion: A mirror reflecting the development of women and humanity
The history of makeup, from the secrets of the Pharaohs to the trends of the digital age, is more than just a story about adornment. It is a living record that narrates the evolution of cultures, beauty standards, and human identity. From the Pharaohs’ kohl, which combined decoration and medicine, to digital filters that give us endless looks, makeup remains an eternal tool of expression that empowers women and reflects their journey through time.