The History of Eye Shadow - Research Paper Example

18 November The History of Eye Shadow Eye shadow is a cosmetic agent that is used by many worldwide. While many consider the use of eye shadow to be something only for women, the truth is that it is used both the sexes without regard to sexual preference. However, instances of eye shadow use by heterosexual males are very rare in today’s society. From the time that it was first invented, eye shadow has continued to grow in popularity. Ancient people were limited in the amount of ingredients they could include in their cosmetic recipes.

For this cause, the range of eye shadow colors available was very limited. Often, people either did or did not wear this cosmetic. There was no choice of color. However the limitations on eye shadow colors was not to remain. As the focus on beauty is something that has perpetuated though many generations in a variety of cultures, cosmetics were fated to evolve and improved. In many cultures wearing makeup was a status symbol. In the 7th and 8th century Greeks found that they could wear shades of blue and green eye shadow by using lapiz lazuli and Malachite, which are stones, as a main ingredient (An Eye Shadow History, n.d.).

Those in Japan during the 11th Century found that they could manipulate the color of their eye shadow by using different color flower petals. Oddly enough, in ancient Japan they used bird droppings as one of the ingredients. The ancient Egyptian’s use of eye shadow is very famous. They are often depicted wearing bold dark liner that surrounds their eyes and flows up to their temple of their heads. The knowledge of the Egyptians’’ makeup practices are so well known that one can be shown a picture of someone wearing Egyptian style eye shadow and quickly identify the person depicted to be Egyptian.

In fact, makeup and cosmetics were so important in ancient Egypt that often people were buried with a sizable supply. Upon discovering these ancient beauty aids it was reported that, “inside these 3-4000 year old containers made of marble, alabaster, wood or reed, were found cosmetic powders in an exceptionally good state of conservation’ (Martinetto et al 1999; p10.). Eye shadow has been around for a long time and has continued to be popular. Although choices of eye shadow were limited in ancient times, the same is not true today.

There are a wide variety of colors and formulas on the market today. The origins of this beautifying substance are not known. As it has been reported, “if you ask about the person who invented the famous eye shadow, then you probably can not find a concrete answer” ( Invention of Eye shadow, n.d.). Regardless of its source, there are many people who would not dare been seen in public without eye shadow gracing their lids. This is as true today as it was in ancient times. Now, however, eye shadow is not commonly made with all natural ingredients as it used to be.

Many of the various colors of eye shadow that people enjoy are possible because of artificial colors. Some, out of concern for their heath and the environment have chosen to stick with brands that only use all natural ingredients. Possibly, they would have preferred some of the formulas that were used in ancient times. Table 1 shows some of the ingredients of ancient eye shadows. Table 1: Use and Ingredients of Eye Shadow over Time Time Place Ingredients 3000 BC Egypt Antimony, Copper, Burnt Almonds, Ash, Malachite, Chrysocolla, and Ochre 7th and 8th Century BC Greece Lapiz Lazuil and Malachite 11th Century Japan Bird Droppings, Rice Flour, and Flower Petals Works Cited “An Eye Shadow History.

” Essence of Mineral Makeup. N.p. n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. “Invention of Eyeshadow.” Eyeshadow Shops. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov 2011. Martinetto, P., Dooryhee, E., Anne, M., Talabot, J., Tsoucaris., G., & Walter, P.H. ”Cosmetic Recipes and Make-up Manufacturing in Ancient Egypt” Newsweek.1999. Web. 18 Nov 2011. ,