If you’re interested in beauty and self-expression, makeup might be one of your favorite things to play with. Makeup can enhance your natural features, conceal blemishes, and make you feel more confident. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced makeup artist, there’s always something new to learn and explore in the beautiful world of cosmetics.
Makeup has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient Egyptians using it to enhance their appearance. Today, makeup is a multi-billion dollar industry that offers a wide range of products for every skin type, tone, and preference. From foundation to eyeshadow, lipstick to mascara, there are endless possibilities when it comes time to creating a makeup look that reflects your personality and style.
Whether you prefer a natural, no-makeup makeup look or a bold, colourful statement, makeup can help you express yourself and feel more confident in your own skin. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the beautiful world of makeup, but with a good bit of practice and experimentation and good will, you can find the products and techniques that work best for you.
History of Makeup and Ancient Egyptians
Makeup began its journey thousands of years ago, dating back to ancient Egypt where both men and women used it to enhance their appearance, including the use of black kohl eyeliner to decorate their eyes. The first recorded use and sales of cosmetics dates back to 3000 BC during the first Egyptian dynasty. Makeup was used by the upper class to “decorate” a person’s eyes and set them apart from the lower classes. During this time, both men and women of the upper class wore makeup daily. The first makeup colors to be widely sold and used were black and green.
Over time, makeup trends evolved and spread to other cultures, with many women and men across different periods engaging in the use of cosmetics. In eighteenth century America, both men and women of the upper classes wore makeup. But, shortly after the American Revolution, the use of visible “paint” cosmetics (colored cosmetic for lips, skin, eyes, and nails) by either gender gradually became socially unacceptable.
During the 1920s, the beauty industry flourished, and makeup became more mainstream and widely accepted. The “flapper” look with dark eyes, red lips, long, and a pale complexion was popularized by Hollywood actresses and became a trend. This era also saw the introduction of modern synthetic hair dye by L’Oréal in 1907, marking a significant development in the cosmetic market. African American women played a role in shaping makeup trends during the early 1900s and 1920s, despite facing challenges such as skin bleaching and the lack of makeup shades for Black women. Max Factor, a Hollywood makeup artist, revolutionized the industry by creating a range of skin tones for makeup to match the skin of different actors and actresses, contributing significantly to makeup artistry and the cosmetics industry.
Since then, makeup has continued to evolve and become more diverse, with the cosmetics industry seeing technological advancements and an increased demand for cosmetic products. Today, there are countless makeup brands and products available, catering to a wide range of skin tones, types, and preferences. Makeup is used for a variety of reasons, including enhancing natural features, covering blemishes, and expressing oneself creatively.
Types of Makeup and Current Trends
Makeup is a great and easy way to enhance your natural beauty and express yourself. There are many different types of makeup available, each designed to highlight different features and achieve different looks. In order of this section, we will take a closer look at the three main categories of makeup: face makeup, eye makeup, and lip makeup.
Face Makeup
Face makeup is used to even out your skin tone, cover blemishes, and give your face a smooth, flawless look. The most common types of face makeup include:
Foundation: A base that evens out skin tone and provides a smooth surface for other makeup.
Concealer: Used to cover blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections.
Blush: Adds a pop of colour to your cheeks and gives your face a healthy glow.
Highlighter: Used to accentuate your cheekbones, brow bone, and other areas of your face that catch the light.
Eye Makeup
Eye makeup is used to enhance the natural beauty of your eyes and draw attention to them. The most common types of eye makeup include:
Eyeshadow: Used to add colour and depth to your eyelids.
Eyeliner, including black kohl eyeliner, a product with historical roots in ancient Egypt where it was used to define the eyes and ink eyebrows. Today, it’s used to define your eyes and make them appear larger or more dramatic.
Mascara: Used to darken, thicken, and lengthen your eyelashes.
Eyebrow pencil/powder: Used to fill in and shape your eyebrows.
Lip and Nail Polish Makeup
Lip makeup is used in order to add colour and definition to your lips. The most common types of lip makeup include:
Lipstick: Adds colour and texture to your lips.
Lip gloss: Adds shine and a hint of colour to your lips.
Lip liner: Used to define the shape of your lips and prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Remember, there are many different types of makeup available, and what works for one person may not work for as long as another. Experiment with different products and techniques in order to find the ones that work best for you.
Choosing the Right Makeup Products
Choosing to buy the right makeup can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering your skin tone and undertone, skin type, and occasion, you can select and buy the perfect makeup products for you.
Skin Tone and Undertone
When choosing makeup products, it’s important to consider your skin tone and undertone. Your skin tone refers to the lightness or darkness of your skin, while your undertone is the underlying hue that affects the way your skin looks.
If you have a warm undertone, you should look for makeup products with warm tones, such as peach, gold, and bronze. If you have a cool undertone, you should look for makeup products with cool tones, such as pink, purple, and blue. If you have a neutral undertone, you can wear both warm and cool tones.
When selecting foundation, it’s important to match both your skin tone and undertone. Many brands now offer a wide range of shades and undertones to choose from, making it easier to find the perfect match for your skin.
Skin Type
Your skin type also plays a role in choosing the right makeup products. If you have dry skin, look for products with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. If you have oily skin, look for products with mattifying ingredients, such as clay and salicylic acid.
If you have sensitive skin, look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. If you have acne-prone skin, look for products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free.
When selecting foundation, consider the finish you want. If you have dry skin, a luminous or dewy finish can help give you a healthy glow. If you have oily skin, a matte finish can help control shine.
Occasion
The occasion can also influence your makeup choices. For a natural daytime look, opt for a tinted moisturiser or light coverage foundation, a neutral eyeshadow, and a tinted lip balm. For a night out, you can go for a more dramatic look with a full coverage foundation, a smoky eye, and a bold lip.
If you’re attending a special events, such as events such as a wedding or prom, consider hiring a professional makeup artist to create a look that complements your outfit and enhances your natural beauty.
Remember, the most important thing is to feel confident, beautiful and comfortable in your makeup. With these tips, you can choose to buy the right makeup products for you and create a look that makes you feel your best.
