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History of Cosmetics Timeline
(c. 4000 BCE–Present)Ancient and traditional practices
Meihua zhuang develops in China
420 CE - 589 CE
The mythical origin of meihua zhuang, or plum blossom makeup, is associated with the Southern dynasties. The floral fashion later became popular among women during the Tang and Song dynasties.
Ithmid kohl use
500 CE
A specific type of kohl known as Ithmid kohl has been used for more than 15 centuries in the region, forming part of a long tradition of eye cosmetics.
Image source: Kohl (cosmetics)
Meihua zhuang becomes popular in the Tang dynasty
618 CE - 907 CE
Plum blossom makeup became popular among ladies during the Tang dynasty, extending the floral cosmetic tradition associated with meihua zhuang.
Masonjoany use begins in Madagascar
900 CE
Women of the Sakalava and Vezo peoples in Madagascar began wearing masonjoany, a decorative paste made from ground wood. It was used as sunscreen and insect repellent as well as facial decoration, with flowers, leaves, and stars painted in white and yellow pastes.
Meihua zhuang continues in the Song dynasty
960 CE - 1279 CE
The meihua zhuang tradition also remained popular during the Song dynasty, when floral facial decoration continued as a fashionable cosmetic practice.
Western cosmetics history
Italian red lipstick signals social standing
1200 CE - 1299 CE
Thirteenth-century Italian women wore red lipstick as a visible indication of high social standing.
Cosmetic attitudes vary in Western history
1500 - 1899
Cosmetics continued to be used over the following centuries, although attitudes toward them changed repeatedly. In many periods of Western history, their use was openly frowned upon.
Early modern European cosmetic experimentation
1508
The cosmetologist associated with Countess Caterina Sforza was among the early modern figures experimenting with makeup production in Europe. Sforza herself was also associated with recipes and experimentation involving cosmetics.
Appearance is constrained before modern lighting
1700 - 1899
Before the nineteenth century, limited lighting technology and restricted access to reflective devices made it more difficult for people to regularly perceive and assess their appearance.
Pale feminine ideals encourage discreet makeup
1800 - 1899
Nineteenth-century ideals favored women who appeared delicate, feminine, and pale. Some women discreetly used rouge on their cheeks and drops of belladonna to dilate their eyes and make them appear larger.
Key Facts
- Ancient Egyptians used kohl eyeliner, scented oils, henna, and mineral pigments for beauty, religious practices, and protection from the sun.
- Greeks and Romans developed extensive cosmetic traditions, including face powders, perfumes, hair dyes, and skin treatments.
- During parts of medieval Europe, cosmetics were criticized by religious authorities, although perfumes, herbal remedies, and hair-care practices continued.
- The Industrial Revolution enabled mass production and wider distribution of soaps, creams, fragrances, and makeup during the nineteenth century.
- In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, cosmetics became a global industry shaped by advertising, film, scientific research, changing gender norms, and expanding demands for safety and inclusion.
Source
This History of Cosmetics timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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