The beauty ideal of the highly developed culture of Ancient Egypt corresponded with the then-current ideas concerning the external appearance of the gods. Numerous cosmetic implements such as tweezers, mirrors, make-up vessels and ointment spoons give a clear indication of just how much value was attached to such artificial beautification.
In the Rococo period (18th century), make-up was an established feature of one's toilet. Doll-like faces with a white complexion and red cheeks were looked upon as being particularly attractive. The preparations used for this purpose, however, contained substances that were seriously detrimental to the wearer's health, e.g. lead, bismuth, nickel and even mercury. The 19th century saw the development of a more natural concept of beauty that also embraced the need for cosmetics of a more protective and caring nature. While most of the cosmetics employed up to this time were concocted at home, the beginning of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of the professional production of cosmetic goods. |
