The History of Makeup: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Glam

Ancient Egypt: The OG Glam 👑
Okay, so ancient Egypt was the birthplace of makeup as we know it. We’re talking about Cleopatra-level eyeliner, people! They used crushed malachite and kohl to line their eyes (we’re talking around 4000 BCE!). Imagine how long it took them to get those wings sharp? I’d probably mess up halfway through and just call it a day. 😅

Tip: When you’re trying to do bold eyeliner, remember the Egyptians didn’t have fancy tools. They used their fingers or little sticks, so don’t overthink it—sometimes, your finger is just the perfect tool for smudging that eyeliner to perfection!

Greece and Rome: From Natural to Flawless 🌿✨
Fast forward to ancient Greece and Rome, where things got a little more… natural? The Greeks preferred to keep it light—think pale faces and rosy cheeks, often achieved with powders made from crushed minerals. But the Romans? Oh, they were all about that glam life. They used a lot of white lead for that porcelain look, which—FYI—was not safe but it was a major trend. 😬

Tip: If you’re after that porcelain look without the lead (because, yikes), try a lighter foundation with a slight pink undertone. It’ll give you that fresh, bright look without the toxic history!

The Middle Ages: Less Is More (Sorta) ⏳
In the Middle Ages, pale skin was the thing. But it wasn’t exactly for the same reasons as the Romans. People thought lighter skin showed wealth and status because it meant you didn’t have to work in the fields. So, everyone was all about that pale complexion, using weird stuff like egg whites to lighten their skin. And when it came to lips? Red was all the rage.

Tip: Pale skin isn’t always in, but a great foundation shade that brightens your client’s complexion can work wonders! Don’t shy away from experimenting with undertones to get that perfect “royalty” look.

The 18th Century: Powdered Wigs & Bold Lips 💋
Ah, the 1700s—when makeup got seriously fun. The French revolutionized makeup, and Marie Antoinette was basically the first makeup influencer. Powdered wigs? Check. Bright red lips? Absolutely. The French were all about making a statement, and that included using lead-based cosmetics. (Again, not the healthiest, but they didn’t know better!) But hey, the bold lip is something that’s still going strong today.

Tip: Bold lips are timeless! If you’re trying to nail a modern version of that Marie Antoinette look, go for a rich red with a matte finish for something that’s still super chic but way safer than their lead-filled lipsticks.

1920s: The Flapper Era & The Birth of Modern Makeup 💄
This was the game changer. The 1920s saw women starting to really embrace makeup in a way we can relate to today. The flapper look—think bold lips, dark eyes, and short hair—became a major trend. This is when commercial makeup started becoming a thing, with brands like Max Factor leading the charge. They were the pioneers of mass-produced products that made makeup more accessible to the masses. Can you imagine the excitement of finally being able to buy a lipstick instead of making it from scratch?

Tip: The 1920s taught us to go bold with lips and eyes. If you’re doing a modern flapper-inspired look, focus on a deep, dramatic lip and pair it with smokey eyes. You can never go wrong with a dark, sultry vibe.

Modern Glam: Makeup As We Know It Today 💅
And here we are in the world of makeup we know and love. Today, makeup has evolved into an art form. We’ve got everything from contouring and highlighting to Instagram-worthy eyeshadow palettes. But honestly, the basic principles of color, shape, and balance haven’t changed much. The tools might be more high-tech, but those makeup artists in Ancient Egypt had the right idea—they just didn’t have a beauty blender. 😜

Tip: Don’t be intimidated by all the modern products and techniques. Go back to the basics: a great foundation, a poppin’ lip, and perfectly blended eyeshadow will never fail you. Use what you’ve learned from the past, and don’t be afraid to experiment with modern products to make your art come to life.

Makeup is Timeless, But Evolving ✨
Makeup has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and it’s only getting better. As a makeup artist, you have the opportunity to draw inspiration from history and use modern products to create the most amazing looks. So, the next time you’re doing a client’s makeup, remember: You’re carrying on a legacy of creativity, self-expression, and transformation. And who knows, maybe you’ll bring back a vintage trend with a modern twist!

Now go out there and slay it like the makeup history boss you are. 👑