Cosmetics is not the discovery and invention of the modern world, it is an age-old practice to put together different ingredients to use as beauty products and fragrances.
Egyptians in 10000 BCE used various scented oils and other ointments to keep their skin clean and soft, while the oils were also used to mask the body odour. To protect their skin from the harsh sun rays and the dry winds many oils and creams were made use of. As time moved ahead, in 4000 BCE women discovered the application of kohl made of oxidised copper, lead, ash, burnt almonds, types of coloured copper ores and ochre to give their eyes an almond shape.
During 3000 BCE, Grecian women used mulberries as rouge and white lead to colour their face. It is also learnt that they used oxen hair as fake eyebrows, while the Chinese stained their finger nails with gum, beeswax, egg and gelatin as a representation of their class.
The Japanese as well as Chinese used rice powder to whiten their face.
During the early Common Era period, Indians made use of henna to colour their hair as well to make beautiful patterns and designs on their hands. And the the people in stone age used butter to treat pimples, sheep blood or fat as nail paint.
A huge change and progress in cosmetics and perfume industry is seen in the Middle Ages. Perfumes were exported from the Middle East to Europe, in 1200.
In 1300s, dying the hair red became popular in England.
Between 1400 to 1500, cosmetic manufacturing saw a renaissance with France and Italy emerging as the main manufacturers of cosmetics.
During the 1800s Queen Victoria spoke against cosmetics, stating it vulgar and only actors should be using it. During this period copper and lead were replaced by zinc oxide as facial powders.
The saga continues to the modern world.
The society has always pressurised women to look and behave beautiful. Women according to society are synonym to beauty. A new product enters the market every now and then to quench the thirst of beauty.
This industry is only flourishing and will never go off the market, no matter the era we belong to.