HISTORY OF COSMETICS

used scented oils and ointments to clean and soften their skin, mask body odor, and protect their skin against the hot Egyptian sun and dry winds

Queen Elizabeth I of England was one well-known user of white lead paint, with which she created a look known as “the Mask of Youth. ”

stained their fingernails with gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax, and egg. The colors were used to represent social class: Chou dynasty royals wore gold and silver; the Middle classes wore black or red; Lower classes were forbidden to wear bright colors on their nails.

Applied galena mesdemet (made of copper and lead ore) and malachite (bright green paste of copper minerals) to their faces for color and definition.

Society women wore egg whites over their faces to create the appearance of a paler complexion. Some people believed, however, that cosmetics blocked proper circulation and therefore posed a health threat.

Henna used as hair dye and Mehndi, an art form in which intricate designs were painted on the hands and feet using a paste made from the henna plant, especially before a Hindu wedding.

used myrrh, thyme, marjoram, chamomile, lavender, lily, peppermint, rosemary, cedar, rose, aloe, olive oil, sesame oil, and almond oil as raw ingredients of most perfumes used in rituals

Dyed red hair came into fashion.

often attempted to lighten their skin using a variety of products, including white lead paint.