7 Fun Facts About Makeup Every Beauty Lover Should Know
You're probably not thinking about the history of your red lipstick or how fragrance became a thing when you're doing your makeup. But perhaps you should be. Listen up: the history of makeup and beauty products is truly fascinating. We've compiled a list of seven fascinating beauty facts and origin stories that will give you a whole new appreciation for modern makeup.
Wearing Expensive Makeup Was Once Illegal
The “Lex Oppia” was a Roman law that restricted not only a woman's wealth but also her displays of wealth. This included high-end cosmetics and fragrances imported from China and Germany. Unsurprisingly, it did not last long — it was repealed 20 years later.
In the United States, neon nail polish is illegal.
Do you enjoy wearing bright nail polish? True neon nail polish is actually prohibited in the United States. If your polishes are labeled "neon," they are most likely imported or not made with true neon pigments. What's the reason? It's not as dramatic as you might think; neon colors have never been officially registered with the FDA.
Crushed jewels were once used to make lipstick.
Luxury lip gloss used to be even more luxurious. It is said that semi-precious jewels were crushed and used to decorate the lips of ancient Mesopotamian women. Since then, lipsticks made from everything from red beetles to fish scales (thankfully not anymore) have been created.
The phrase "Beauty Is Pain" had a completely different meaning in the 1400s.
Pale, sun-untouched skin was all the rage among 15th-century women. If women weren't born with a porcelain complexion, they'd do anything, including using leeches for blood-letting, a dubious medical practice that involves withdrawing a small amount of blood to cure or prevent illness. Some women even used Venetian ceruse, a white lead product that caused hair loss and, in some cases, death. Oh, no.
The popularity of tanned, golden skin was unintentional.
Coco Chanel, a fashion designer, got a sunburn while visiting the French Riviera in the 1920s. The sunburn had faded into a tan by the time she returned home. Her fans began to adopt this look, hoping to emulate the chic and stylish Chanel's luxurious lifestyle.
Red Lipstick Is Used to Denote Class
Lipstick was used to distinguish social classes in Europe during the Middle Ages. Wearing a bright pink lip color, for example, denoted a high social standing, whereas red tones denoted a low social standing.
Once upon a time, the fragrance was used as a disinfectant.
Long before perfume was invented to make you smell nice and fresh, it was used to disinfect wounds in ancient China. Some believed that perfume was so potent that it could cure disease in a room.
Related: 5 Reasons Being a Makeup Artist Is Amazing
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