We think of makeup as a product we put on our faces. The truth is, makeup as art, and it has a long history. Cosmetics have been around for over 6,000 years. 

According to the article “When Did We Start Wearing Makeup,” makeup was first introduced during 4,000 B.C.E. Most Egyptian women and men wore white powders to lighten their skin, malachite eyeshadow and rogue, or blush. They also used to wear heavy eyeliner. 

Makeup is also mentioned throughout the Bible, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. From 627 B.C.E. to 586 B.C.E., Jeremiah and others argued against the use of cosmetics to discourage vanity. 

There was much controversy about makeup in ancient Rome. Men and women used bath soaps, deodorants and moisturizers. Women enhanced their beauty by removing their body hair, but if they put on makeup, they were considered sex workers. Historically, the Romans said a woman should never defile her face with paints or cosmetics. 

During the 1920s, makeup became mainstream. Red lipstick and dark eyeliner became beauty trends. The beauty industry started to line their pocketbooks with how much money they were making. Cosmetics started to become and artform. However, some said that makeup gave women too much sex appeal and over-emphasized their physical features. 

Makeup has since moved forward. We now have many makeup artists all around the world whose designs and techniques are truly beautiful, full of life and creative. Some of these artists are James Charles, Jimesha Smith, Jeffree Star and Tati. Makeup artists show us that makeup is more than just products. It is art, and the face is like a blank canvas. 

There are still some controversies surrounding makeup. For instance, some people think men should not be able to wear it. The art of makeup is so much broader than anyone can imagine because it has expanded tremendously over its history.