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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History of cosmetics | 2/7 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_cosmetics | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T16:15:12.912435+00:00 | kb-cron |
=== Henna === Henna has a particular significance in Middle Eastern cosmetic techniques. It is used for both practical and ornamental purposes, especially at weddings, Eid, and Ramadan. The application method is combining dried henna powder with water, lemon juice, strong tea, and additional substances to make a paste. After that, the paste is applied to the skin in intricate patterns, frequently with the use of a brush or cone. A reddish-brown stain that might remain for several weeks is left behind when the dried paste peels off after a few hours. In Middle Eastern societies, this art form has been passed down through the years and is seen as a means of celebration and self-expression. In addition to its ceremonial use, henna can be used as an alternative for hair and nail polish, particularly on special occasions. Beyond its artistic designs, henna is used in Muslim marriage rituals to paint certain patterns on the skin that are said to bring blessings, or barakah. Henna was also a helpful way to stay cool during the summer. The cultural and symbolic value of henna in the Middle East is enhanced by these designs. In the Middle East, older women typically apply henna as a cosmetic procedure to symbolize tradition, experience, and wisdom. By connecting generations, this tradition not only preserves cultural identity but also promotes intercultural understanding.
== Asia == In the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500 BCE), archaeological excavations at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa have revealed small cosmetic containers, applicators, and evidence of pigments used for personal adornment. Traditional Indian practices included the use of kajal (kohl) to darken the eyes, believed to be both aesthetic and protective against glare and the evil eye. The application of sindoor (vermillion) in the hair parting by married women, and the use of mehndi (henna) for body decoration, also trace back to ancient Indian customs and remain culturally significant today.
=== China ===
Flowers play an important decorative role in China. Legend has it that once on the 7th day of the 1st lunar month, while Princess Shouyang, daughter of Emperor Wu of Liu Song, was resting under the eaves of Hanzhang Palace near the plum trees after wandering in the gardens, a plum blossom drifted down onto her fair face, leaving a floral imprint on her forehead that enhanced her beauty further. The court ladies were said to be so impressed, that they started decorating their own foreheads with a small delicate plum blossom design. This is also the mythical origin of the floral fashion, meihua zhuang (梅花妝, 'plum blossom makeup'), that originated in the Southern dynasties (420–589) and became popular amongst ladies in the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties. The use of nail polish originated around 3000 BC in China, when the staining of nails was utilized by members of the upper class. Nail stains were produced from ingredients such as egg whites, beeswax, roses, and arabic gum. The colors used to stain nails became symbols of social class, as only the powerful could have red, gold, or silver stained nails. Nail cosmetics were reserved for the elite, and its use would be considered criminal for members of the lower class.
=== Mongolia === Women of royal families painted red spots on the center of their cheeks, right under their eyes. However, it is a mystery why. They said that red cheeks (face blush) are a sign of a happy queen. Blush helps to enhance the face shape to bring out the cheek bones.
=== Japan ===
In Japan, geisha wore lipstick made of crushed safflower petals to paint the eyebrows and edges of the eyes as well as the lips, and sticks of bintsuke wax, a softer version of the sumo wrestlers' hair wax, were used by geisha as a makeup base. Rice powder colors the face and back; rouge contours the eye socket and defines the nose.[unreliable source?] Ohaguro (black paint) colours the teeth for the ceremony, called Erikae, when maiko (apprentice geisha) graduate and become independent. The geisha would also sometimes use bird droppings to compile a lighter color. The beginning of the modern Japanese cosmetic industry began after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. New products began appearing in the markets for skin care and dermatology due to new ingredients and technologies.
== Europe ==
=== Antiquity === Cosmetics were used by ancient Greeks and the Romans. During the Roman Empire, the use of cosmetics was common amongst prostitutes and rich women. Such adornment was sometimes lamented by certain Roman writers, who thought it to be against the castitas required of women by what they considered traditional Roman values. Pliny the Elder mentioned cosmetics in his Naturalis Historia, and Ovid wrote a book on the topic. Later Christian writers expressed similar sentiments.