Best and Worst Makeup Moments in History #FacePaintBook

Lisa Eldridge

15 Oct 201506:26

Summary

TLDRThis video explores the historical journey of makeup, from the experimental Egyptian era where both genders wore it daily, to the subtle Greek period and the toxic yet fashionable Venetian ceruse. It delves into the 18th-century's blush overload and the Victorian era's disdain for makeup, leading to a shift in the 20th century where makeup became a symbol of fun and strength. Today, makeup lovers enjoy the freedom to choose any look they desire, reflecting a rich history of beauty and societal norms.

Takeaways

🇪🇬 The Egyptians were one of the earliest and most experimental societies with makeup, worn daily by both genders across social classes.
🏛 In classical Greek times, makeup was subtle and limited, with a preference for natural looks and ingredients derived from plants and fruits.
📜 Early Christian writers associated makeup with deception, shifting the perception of cosmetics from distasteful to sinful.
💧 During the Renaissance, makeup was about achieving a flawless, luminous look, often with homemade recipes and natural colors.
🎭 In 16th century Venice, makeup was dramatic and a status symbol, with the use of toxic substances like Venetian ceruse for a pale complexion.
🏵️ The mid 18th century saw an overload of blush as a fashion statement, especially in France, where it was a way to distinguish the aristocracy.
👑 Queen Victoria's views on makeup being vulgar led to a backlash, with a preference for natural, unadorned looks in polite society.
💄 The end of the 19th century marked a shift in makeup's perception, with the rise of theater actresses, silent films, and female emancipation.
🎬 Hollywood in the 20th century popularized makeup, making it a symbol of fun and strength, and accessible to the masses through fan magazines.
🌍 Today, makeup is a personal choice without censorship, allowing individuals to express themselves freely through various makeup looks.

Q & A

Which ancient civilization is known for being one of the earliest and most experimental with makeup?
-The Egyptians are one of the earliest and most experimental societies with makeup, with both men and women of all classes wearing it daily.
What was the societal view of makeup during the classical Greek period?
-During the classical Greek period, makeup was worn but anything obvious was frowned upon, especially by the male elite who believed in a woman's virtuous role and minimal makeup use.
How did early Christian writers view the use of makeup?
-Early Christian writers created a powerful association between makeup and deception, making it move from being distasteful to sinful.
What was the significance of makeup in 16th century Venice?
-In 16th century Venice, makeup was a sign of status and fun, with heavy dramatic makeup being common at balls and parties. Venetian ceruse, a toxic but exclusive and expensive foundation, was popular.
What was the fashionable makeup look in mid-18th century France?
-In mid-18th century France, blush overload was common and makeup was all about status. The flamboyant style of applying blush was intended to distinguish the aristocracy from the middle classes.
How did Queen Victoria's views on makeup influence its use during her reign?
-Queen Victoria's proclamation that makeup was vulgar and unladylike led to a backlash against makeup use, with clean, scrubbed skin being seen as morally superior.
What alternative methods did women use to create a rosy glow during the Victorian era when makeup was frowned upon?
-Women used tactics like lip balms with a hint of color, pinching cheeks, biting lips, or using colored wrapping paper dampened to release dye to create a rosy glow without appearing to wear makeup.
How did the perception of makeup change at the end of the 19th century?
-At the end of the 19th century, the perception of makeup changed due to the newfound respect for theater actresses, the birth of the silent movie industry, and female emancipation, making makeup fun and a symbol of strength.
What was the makeup trend for Hollywood actresses in the early 20th century?
-Hollywood actresses in the early 20th century had dark, smoky eyes and small rosebud mouths, which, along with Hollywood fan magazines, fueled an insatiable appetite for makeup.
What is the current state of makeup freedom in many parts of the world according to the script?
-Today, in many parts of the world, there is the power to choose any makeup look without censorship, from nude lips to vibrant colors or no makeup at all.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Historical Makeup Evolution

The script discusses the historical use and perception of makeup across different civilizations. It starts with the Egyptians, who were early and experimental users of makeup, with both genders wearing it daily. Egyptian women had significant autonomy. In contrast, during the Greek period, makeup was subtle and often associated with deception, especially among the male elite. Makeup was also used in the early Christian era, with a focus on natural and undetectable colors. The 16th-century aristocrats in Venice enjoyed dramatic makeup, despite its toxicity. The 18th century saw an overuse of blush for status, especially in France. Queen Victoria's views led to a backlash against makeup, with women resorting to discreet methods to enhance their appearance. The script concludes by noting that makeup's themes have been consistent throughout history until the 19th century.

05:00

💄 Makeup in the Modern Era

The script highlights the transformation of makeup's perception at the end of the 19th century. The rise of theater actresses, the silent movie industry, and female emancipation contributed to makeup becoming a symbol of fun and strength. Hollywood's influence expanded makeup's appeal, with flappers and vamps popularizing certain looks. The 20th century marked a significant shift, making makeup accessible to the masses and allowing for a variety of looks. Today, individuals have the freedom to choose their makeup styles without censorship, reflecting a period that is arguably the best for makeup enthusiasts.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Makeup

Makeup refers to the application of cosmetics to the face or body to enhance or alter one's appearance. In the video, makeup is central to the historical narrative, illustrating how its use has evolved from ancient civilizations to modern times. It is portrayed as a symbol of cultural expression, social status, and personal identity, with examples ranging from Egyptian cosmetics to the dramatic styles of Hollywood.

💡Egyptians

The Egyptians are highlighted as one of the earliest societies to use makeup, both for aesthetic and ritualistic purposes. They were experimental and inclusive in their use of makeup, with both men and women across social classes wearing it. This is significant as it contrasts with later periods where makeup use was more restricted or gender-specific, showcasing the Egyptians' progressive attitudes towards beauty and self-expression.

💡Autonomy

Autonomy in this context refers to the independence and self-governance of individuals, particularly women. The video notes that Egyptian women had a significant degree of autonomy, which included owning land, controlling businesses, and initiating legal actions. This is relevant as it sets a historical precedent for women's rights and their ability to express themselves through makeup, which was a form of self-expression and empowerment.

💡Classical Greek Period

The Classical Greek Period is mentioned to contrast the Egyptian era's liberal use of makeup. During this time, makeup was used more sparingly, with an emphasis on subtlety and naturalness. The video implies that societal attitudes towards makeup were shifting, with a preference for more understated beauty, reflecting the cultural values of the time that favored modesty and virtue.

💡Christian Writers

Christian writers are referenced as influential figures who associated makeup with deception and sin. This perspective contributed to a negative connotation around makeup, shifting public opinion from viewing it as a simple cosmetic practice to something morally questionable. The video uses this to illustrate how religious and cultural beliefs can shape societal norms and attitudes towards beauty practices.

💡Venetian Ceruse

Venetian Ceruse was a type of foundation used in 16th-century Venice, known for its exclusivity and high cost. However, it was also highly toxic, causing skin damage. The video uses Venetian Ceruse to illustrate the lengths to which people would go for beauty, even at the expense of their health, and to highlight the social status associated with the use of such exclusive cosmetics.

💡Blushing

Blushing, or the application of red color to the cheeks, is discussed as a significant aspect of 18th-century makeup. The video notes a 'blush overload' trend, where the use of bright reds was common and associated with high social status. This practice is tied to the broader theme of makeup as a status symbol and a means of distinguishing oneself within society.

💡Madame Pompadour

Madame Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV, is mentioned as a style icon of her time. Her heavily rouged cheeks became so iconic that a specific shade of pink was named after her, 'Pompadour Pink'. This example from the video underscores the influence of prominent figures on fashion trends and the enduring impact of makeup on cultural aesthetics.

💡Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria's proclamation against makeup as vulgar is highlighted as a turning point in the perception of makeup. Her views led to a backlash against its use, associating it with moral impropriety. The video uses this to show how societal attitudes can dramatically shift, influencing what is considered acceptable or desirable in terms of appearance.

💡Victorian Era

The Victorian Era is characterized in the video as a period of conservatism and moral strictness regarding makeup. It was a time when the use of makeup was seen as socially unacceptable, and women resorted to more discreet methods to achieve a 'rosy glow'. This period is contrasted with earlier times of more liberal makeup use, emphasizing the cyclical nature of beauty trends and societal norms.

💡Hollywood

Hollywood is presented as a catalyst for the democratization of makeup, with the rise of film and the influence of actresses normalizing its use. The video suggests that the glamour and allure of Hollywood stars helped to transform makeup from a covert practice to a fun and empowering form of self-expression, accessible to a wide audience.

Highlights

The Egyptians were one of the earliest societies to use makeup and were experimental and accepting of it.

Egyptian women had a fair amount of autonomy and could own land, control businesses, and initiate legal proceedings.

Egyptians were sophisticated chemists and loved makeup, using it daily across all classes.

In classical Greek period, makeup was subtle, with a preference for natural and undetectable colors.

Early Christian writers associated makeup with deception, making it distasteful and sinful.

In 16th century Venice, makeup was dramatic and fashionable, with heavy use of Venetian ceruse, a toxic but exclusive foundation.

Flaming red blush was fashionable in the mid-18th century, often made from poisonous minerals.

Madame Pompadour's influence made a deep pink shade, known as pompadour pink, synonymous with aristocracy.

Queen Victoria's views on makeup as vulgar led to a backlash against its use in polite society.

Victorian women used stealth tactics like lip balms with color or pinching cheeks to create a glow.

The end of the 19th century marked a shift in perception of makeup, from covert use to a symbol of strength and fun.

The 20th century saw makeup become accessible to the masses, with Hollywood influencing trends and an appetite for cosmetics.

Today, there is a freedom to choose any makeup look without censorship, reflecting personal expression.

The history of makeup shows a transition from exclusive use to a widespread cultural phenomenon.

The evolution of makeup reflects societal changes and the empowerment of women.

The use of makeup has been a symbol of status, fashion, and personal expression throughout history.