2. Summary
The history of cosmetics spans over a
period of 7,000 years or more. Ever
wonder how any of this stuff was
invented? Who came up with the idea of
wearing lipstick? And deodorant? Take a
look below at this curious list of facts
about makeup and cosmetics to find out!
3. Ancient Sumerians are said to be
the first to invent and wear lipstick,
approximately 5,000 years ago. They
crushed gemstones to decorate
their faces, lips and around the
eyes.
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4. Ancient Egyptians wore lipstick to
emphasize their social status rather
than gender. This was also common
in the Roman era; men painted their
lips to show their social rank.
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5. Nail polish originated in China
about 3000 B.C. It was made of egg
whites, beeswax, gelatin, dyes and
gum Arabic.
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6. In the 1920s, the automobile industry
developed the automotive paint
formula that was later adapted by
French manicurist Michelle Manard
to create nail polish. The final
product was then launched by
Revlon in 1932 as the first colored
nail enamel
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7. During the 16th century, coal tar
was used as mascara, eyebrow
pencil, and eyeliner. It was highly
flammable and caused blindness.
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9. The first commercial deodorant was
patented in the 19th century by
American inventor Edna Murphey.
She based her formula on a liquid
antiperspirant her father, a
physician, had developed to
prevent surgeons from getting
sweaty hands.
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10. Hair spray was developed in the
1920s in Europe. It was introduced in
the US around the same time the
aerosol can was developed. The
first packaged hair spray for mass
market was sold by Chase products
in 1948.
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11. The average American woman
spends over $300,000 in cosmetics
during her lifetime. (Based on a
survey conducted by SkinStore.)
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12. The word "Cosmetic" derives from the
Greek word "Kosmos" (adornment)
which was later added to the French
language as "Cosmétique" and finally
turned into the English noun,
Cosmetic; the art of beautifying the
body.
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