Have you ever wondered how lipstick, with its vibrant colors and various textures, came to be? Lipstick has become a beloved cosmetic, adorning our lips in an array of shades, and it's a trusty companion that fits snugly in our handbags, ready for a quick touch-up whenever we need it. But have you ever pondered the origins of this makeup essential?
The story of lipstick's creation takes us back to ancient civilizations. Lip color makeup was first embraced by the Sumerians, inhabitants of Southern Mesopotamia, during the era of Ancient Egypt. Back then, lipstick was crafted from various ingredients, including plants, fruits, henna, clay, and insects. To add a touch of sparkle and shine, they sometimes crush jewels into the lip color. Remarkably, lip color in Mesopotamia initially contained iodine and bromine mannite, which is poisonous, making its use a potentially hazardous beauty practice.
Ancient Egyptians, renowned for their pioneering use of cosmetics, employed lip color makeup as part of their beauty regimen. Besides enhancing their lips, cosmetics served as a protective shield against the sun and desert winds. In Ancient Egypt, lipstick joined the ranks of eye makeup as a signature element of their facial aesthetic. Cleopatra, the legendary queen, was notably fond of wearing red lipstick, a style that would become iconic.
Around a millennium after Cleopatra's time, Europe saw a decline in cosmetics, especially lip coloring. Economic challenges and isolation from Asia and Africa contributed to this decline. While Europe faced setbacks, cosmetics, including lip products, gained popularity in mainland Asia, where personal grooming practices increased. Europe eventually emerged from its troubles during the Industrial Revolution.
In the 18th century, Guerlain, a renowned perfume house, introduced a mass-market lipstick product. This marked a resurgence in the appeal of lipstick. Its popularity surged further with the advent of photography and film as visual media extended its reach across Europe and the world. By 1920, lipstick and other cosmetics had continuously developed in terms of ingredients, colors, and production methods, becoming increasingly accessible and beloved by people everywhere.
So, the next time you pick up your favorite lipstick, remember that you're continuing a beauty tradition that spans centuries and has evolved into the colorful, delightful cosmetic we adore today.