Women and men have used mineral eyeshadow and other forms of makeup to enhance their features, the eyes in particular, and to augment their appearance for millennia. The Book of Ezekiel mentions face painting in the Old Testament and there is evidence from Egyptian burials dating back as early as 10,000 years BC. Used on the upper lid, makeup provides both color and depth.
In Ancient Egypt as today, women have used a black powder known as kohl to outline their eyes, stave off eye infections, reduce glare and improve their eyesight. The kohl that they used then was a blend of burnt almonds, copper, malachite, antimony, ash and ochre.
Between 800 and 700 years BC, the Greeks had a substance called 'fucus', which they made from lapis luzuli and malachite, crushed and powdered to produce vivid blue and green eye shadows. This and other cosmetics at the time formed a significant part of the Greek economy.
As the Roman Empire grew, the Romans became acquainted with the Iranians. The Iranians made the same use as the Egyptians of kohl to ward off the evil eye. The wicked Romans took the oils that the Egyptians used for sacred purposes and used them instead in sexual practices. They learned of medicinal uses for the oils and also employed them to ward off evil spirits.
In India during the Bronze Age, kohl was applied to everybody, even little babies, to repel infection, glare and the ubiquitous evil eye. At that time, kohl was produced from lead and antimony, both heavy metals. It is unknown how many people went blind or perished, but the kohl that is manufactured today is made from less harmful raw materials.
Modern mineral eyeshadow is available in every color imaginable to match hair color, outfit and mood. The sky is the limit in the cosmetic universe and there is almost nothing that can't be powdered, pressed and used as makeup. Dry powder may be brushed on the lids, or it may be dampened with water for a more vibrant effect.
In Ancient Egypt as today, women have used a black powder known as kohl to outline their eyes, stave off eye infections, reduce glare and improve their eyesight. The kohl that they used then was a blend of burnt almonds, copper, malachite, antimony, ash and ochre.
Between 800 and 700 years BC, the Greeks had a substance called 'fucus', which they made from lapis luzuli and malachite, crushed and powdered to produce vivid blue and green eye shadows. This and other cosmetics at the time formed a significant part of the Greek economy.
As the Roman Empire grew, the Romans became acquainted with the Iranians. The Iranians made the same use as the Egyptians of kohl to ward off the evil eye. The wicked Romans took the oils that the Egyptians used for sacred purposes and used them instead in sexual practices. They learned of medicinal uses for the oils and also employed them to ward off evil spirits.
In India during the Bronze Age, kohl was applied to everybody, even little babies, to repel infection, glare and the ubiquitous evil eye. At that time, kohl was produced from lead and antimony, both heavy metals. It is unknown how many people went blind or perished, but the kohl that is manufactured today is made from less harmful raw materials.
Modern mineral eyeshadow is available in every color imaginable to match hair color, outfit and mood. The sky is the limit in the cosmetic universe and there is almost nothing that can't be powdered, pressed and used as makeup. Dry powder may be brushed on the lids, or it may be dampened with water for a more vibrant effect.
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