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The History Of Cosmetics
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Published: August 17, 2006
From its ancient beginnings, the advancement of cosmetics throughout history has included both its changing technology as well as the development of new products and practices. Here is a time-line of the constantly changing face of cosmetics hostory, which includes some of the industry's most influential inventions and popular trends throughout time:
19th Century
During the 19th Century the use of cosmetics was generally frowned upon in society. The only acceptable role that makeup continued to have during this time was in Hollywood, where actresses like Sarah Bernhardt and Lillie Langtry were popular beauties of the 1880s. This is not to say, though, that women did not still secretly use cosmetics. Since most middle aged women of the time did a lot of entertaining in their homes, many still found it important to seek a naturally beautiful, younger look. Since most cosmetic products were not even openly sold, many women began using household items, such as charcoal, for makeup substitutes. Others wore veils and/or entered salons via back door entrances to conceal their appearances in local beauty salons. In 1886 Harriet Hubbard Ayer introduced face creams and anti-aging products, which were among the first skin care items launched into the beauty market.
20th Century
1900-1920
The beauty industry was not firmly established until the 20th Century. By 1909 cosmetics were sold openly in beauty salons and stores instead of being hid underneath counters, as was formerly done. The first trends in cosmetics history included false eyelashes and pressed powder. Performing arts began to occupy a role within the art of cosmetics when the Russian Ballet performed in London in 1910. Here, the dancers astonished audiences with their dramatic looks that combined the use of cosmetics as well as colorful clothing.
1930s
During the 1930s the growing emphasis on lipsticks within cosmetic use meant a changing color fad each year. Additionally, with each consecutive year the shades gradually grew darker and redder. These dark colors were often contrasted with more subtle, natural pink hues worn on toes. Other cosmetic products generally were not used during this time, as financial hardships during the Great Depression limited unnecessary spending. During the 1920s and 30s the trend for eyebrows was for them to be plucked to a thin line or completely shaved off and drawn on with an eye pencil. This practice proved disastrous for some, whose eyebrows never completely grew back.
1940s
During World War II the shortage of product ingredients caused a general decrease in the use of cosmetics, as it did during the Depression. When the war ended in 1945 many women celebrated and welcomed home their spouses and family members by purchasing and wearing makeup, causing a sudden surge in revenue for the cosmetic industry.
1950s
The introduction of color film illuminated the seemingly flawless images of actresses, creating a demand for products that would provide similar results. As a result Max Factor introduced an everyday version of the foundation called pan cake, which was designed to reduce the appearance of blemishes and signs of aging. By the late 50s titanium was also added to tone down the brightness of cosmetic products. These pale, shimmering colors were first introduced by makeup companies in the form of a lipstick and then, when these colors grew in popularity, they also created frosted colors for nails in both shades of pink and silver.
1960s
The softer hues that were popular during the 50s continued into the 60s as well. Max Factor introduced the pastel, pearly pink shade of lipstick named strawberry meringue, which quickly became a must-have color for women. Other pink and peach shades of nail polish and lipsticks also grew in popularity. Another cosmetic trend during the 60s was the focus on eyes, which began after the release of the film Cleopatra. In the movie, star Elizabeth Taylor was featured wearing dark eye makeup that was applied to give her eyes a larger appearance.
1970s
Makeup trends of the 1970s focused on creating a natural look. Women often applied white eyeliner instead of the more traditional brown or black, or may have even substituted soft eye shadow shades for liner altogether. The sheer look of foundation also became popular, causing the use of loose powder to go out of style. Lip liner was another big trend during this time, and cosmetic companies began introducing liquid eye shadows and liners in their product lines.
1980s
By the 1980s a more dramatic makeup look grew back in style. Although there was still a general focus on creating a natural look many women opted to make a statement with their lipstick choices, often matching the shade of their lips to the bright colors of their clothes. Major developments in skin care technology also created a focus on anti-aging and cleansing products during this time.
1990s
Internet technology popularized the online sale of cosmetics beginning in the 1990s. It also expanded the way that makeup companies could market products to their target consumer groups. During this time companies also improved the technology necessary for creating more natural, longer lasting foundation products. As a result they released a greater number of shades as well as an improved overall product.
21st Century
The cosmetic industry continues to change even to this day, as it has now grown into a multi-billion dollar business. Makeup companies have extended the color line of their products to include both sheer, natural colors as well as the deep, bold, and vibrant ones, inviting women to seek their own, unique and individual look most suitable for their skin tone, hair color, and style preferences. Max Factor revolutionized lipstick with the introduction of their product, Lipfinity. A combination of two products-in-one, Lipfinity consists of a lipstick that its users can apply and let dry for 1-4 minutes and seal the color by using a seperate gloss. Used together, the products are meant to last up to 8 hours without smudging or any additional applications. Skin care products have also grown in popularity alongside the rapidly expanding spa industry and the public concern of health care professionals of skin cancer have initiated an increasing demand for artificial tanning products for the body and bronzing cosmetic products for the face.
19th Century
During the 19th Century the use of cosmetics was generally frowned upon in society. The only acceptable role that makeup continued to have during this time was in Hollywood, where actresses like Sarah Bernhardt and Lillie Langtry were popular beauties of the 1880s. This is not to say, though, that women did not still secretly use cosmetics. Since most middle aged women of the time did a lot of entertaining in their homes, many still found it important to seek a naturally beautiful, younger look. Since most cosmetic products were not even openly sold, many women began using household items, such as charcoal, for makeup substitutes. Others wore veils and/or entered salons via back door entrances to conceal their appearances in local beauty salons. In 1886 Harriet Hubbard Ayer introduced face creams and anti-aging products, which were among the first skin care items launched into the beauty market.
20th Century
1900-1920
The beauty industry was not firmly established until the 20th Century. By 1909 cosmetics were sold openly in beauty salons and stores instead of being hid underneath counters, as was formerly done. The first trends in cosmetics history included false eyelashes and pressed powder. Performing arts began to occupy a role within the art of cosmetics when the Russian Ballet performed in London in 1910. Here, the dancers astonished audiences with their dramatic looks that combined the use of cosmetics as well as colorful clothing.
1930s
During the 1930s the growing emphasis on lipsticks within cosmetic use meant a changing color fad each year. Additionally, with each consecutive year the shades gradually grew darker and redder. These dark colors were often contrasted with more subtle, natural pink hues worn on toes. Other cosmetic products generally were not used during this time, as financial hardships during the Great Depression limited unnecessary spending. During the 1920s and 30s the trend for eyebrows was for them to be plucked to a thin line or completely shaved off and drawn on with an eye pencil. This practice proved disastrous for some, whose eyebrows never completely grew back.
1940s
During World War II the shortage of product ingredients caused a general decrease in the use of cosmetics, as it did during the Depression. When the war ended in 1945 many women celebrated and welcomed home their spouses and family members by purchasing and wearing makeup, causing a sudden surge in revenue for the cosmetic industry.
1950s
The introduction of color film illuminated the seemingly flawless images of actresses, creating a demand for products that would provide similar results. As a result Max Factor introduced an everyday version of the foundation called pan cake, which was designed to reduce the appearance of blemishes and signs of aging. By the late 50s titanium was also added to tone down the brightness of cosmetic products. These pale, shimmering colors were first introduced by makeup companies in the form of a lipstick and then, when these colors grew in popularity, they also created frosted colors for nails in both shades of pink and silver.
1960s
The softer hues that were popular during the 50s continued into the 60s as well. Max Factor introduced the pastel, pearly pink shade of lipstick named strawberry meringue, which quickly became a must-have color for women. Other pink and peach shades of nail polish and lipsticks also grew in popularity. Another cosmetic trend during the 60s was the focus on eyes, which began after the release of the film Cleopatra. In the movie, star Elizabeth Taylor was featured wearing dark eye makeup that was applied to give her eyes a larger appearance.
1970s
Makeup trends of the 1970s focused on creating a natural look. Women often applied white eyeliner instead of the more traditional brown or black, or may have even substituted soft eye shadow shades for liner altogether. The sheer look of foundation also became popular, causing the use of loose powder to go out of style. Lip liner was another big trend during this time, and cosmetic companies began introducing liquid eye shadows and liners in their product lines.
1980s
By the 1980s a more dramatic makeup look grew back in style. Although there was still a general focus on creating a natural look many women opted to make a statement with their lipstick choices, often matching the shade of their lips to the bright colors of their clothes. Major developments in skin care technology also created a focus on anti-aging and cleansing products during this time.
1990s
Internet technology popularized the online sale of cosmetics beginning in the 1990s. It also expanded the way that makeup companies could market products to their target consumer groups. During this time companies also improved the technology necessary for creating more natural, longer lasting foundation products. As a result they released a greater number of shades as well as an improved overall product.
21st Century
The cosmetic industry continues to change even to this day, as it has now grown into a multi-billion dollar business. Makeup companies have extended the color line of their products to include both sheer, natural colors as well as the deep, bold, and vibrant ones, inviting women to seek their own, unique and individual look most suitable for their skin tone, hair color, and style preferences. Max Factor revolutionized lipstick with the introduction of their product, Lipfinity. A combination of two products-in-one, Lipfinity consists of a lipstick that its users can apply and let dry for 1-4 minutes and seal the color by using a seperate gloss. Used together, the products are meant to last up to 8 hours without smudging or any additional applications. Skin care products have also grown in popularity alongside the rapidly expanding spa industry and the public concern of health care professionals of skin cancer have initiated an increasing demand for artificial tanning products for the body and bronzing cosmetic products for the face.
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