Ancient Egypt and Cosmetology
History of Cosmetology
What is cosmetology? Cosmetology is the study of cosmetics and their application to beautify and improve the face, hair, nails and skin. Cosmetology comes from the Greek word, “kosmetikos”, which means “skilled in the use of cosmetics.” The history of cosmetology is long and can be traced from many important cultures.
Egyptian Cosmetology
The beginning of the use of cosmetics can first be seen in ancient Egypt. Egyptians were the first to pay attention to the human body and to beautify it in a grand scale. Looking beautiful was their priority. Cosmetics were worn daily, at religious ceremonies, and in the preparation of the dead for the afterlife.
Through archeological finds, Egyptians put makeup on their eyes, lips and skin. The materials they used were made from minerals, berries, and insects. They colored their hair and fingernails with rich warm and red henna stains. Egyptians were also known to be the first to use kohl–made from a ground mix of a black mineral called galena, sulfur, and animal fat. They outlined their eyes heavily with this mixture, which prevents the eyes from inflammations such as conjunctivitis. Not only did the eyeliner accentuate the shape of their eyes, it also functioned to protect the eyes from the bright sun.
Chinese Cosmetology
In Chinese history, the Chinese nobility during the Shang Dynasty colored their nails crimson or ebony by rubbing a mixture of gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax and egg white. Wearing cosmetics showed status. The lower classes were not allowed to wear any cosmetics, or else they could face the punishment of death.
Greek Cosmetology
Cosmetics had advanced at the beginning of Golden Age of Greece in 500 BC. The ancient Greeks used perfumes and cosmetics in all aspects of their personal grooming, as well as in religious rites and for medical purposes. They had developed methods to dress their hair, care for the skin and nails. Women put white lead on their face to lighten their
What is cosmetology? Cosmetology is the study of cosmetics and their application to beautify and improve the face, hair, nails and skin. Cosmetology comes from the Greek word, “kosmetikos”, which means “skilled in the use of cosmetics.” The history of cosmetology is long and can be traced from many important cultures.
Egyptian Cosmetology
The beginning of the use of cosmetics can first be seen in ancient Egypt. Egyptians were the first to pay attention to the human body and to beautify it in a grand scale. Looking beautiful was their priority. Cosmetics were worn daily, at religious ceremonies, and in the preparation of the dead for the afterlife.
Through archeological finds, Egyptians put makeup on their eyes, lips and skin. The materials they used were made from minerals, berries, and insects. They colored their hair and fingernails with rich warm and red henna stains. Egyptians were also known to be the first to use kohl–made from a ground mix of a black mineral called galena, sulfur, and animal fat. They outlined their eyes heavily with this mixture, which prevents the eyes from inflammations such as conjunctivitis. Not only did the eyeliner accentuate the shape of their eyes, it also functioned to protect the eyes from the bright sun.
Chinese Cosmetology
In Chinese history, the Chinese nobility during the Shang Dynasty colored their nails crimson or ebony by rubbing a mixture of gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax and egg white. Wearing cosmetics showed status. The lower classes were not allowed to wear any cosmetics, or else they could face the punishment of death.
Greek Cosmetology
Cosmetics had advanced at the beginning of Golden Age of Greece in 500 BC. The ancient Greeks used perfumes and cosmetics in all aspects of their personal grooming, as well as in religious rites and for medical purposes. They had developed methods to dress their hair, care for the skin and nails. Women put white lead on their face to lighten their