Make-up Fun Facts: Lipstick

Did you know... Lipstick first gained popularity because it made the mouth look like the female genitals?! Here's a summary of how lipstick came to be the way we know it; who knows? you may find a couple more new things to learn!

Starting off in Ancient Egypt, lipstick was made using dye from Fucus-algin, Iodine and Bromine mannite, the latter often causing serious illness.  Later variants included crushed carmine beetles as was Cleopatra's preference and pearlescence - a substance found in fish scales.  As with every other beauty and fashion trend, lipstick experienced highs and lows - termed an 'incarnation of satan' in Medieval Europe, enjoying popularity in 16th Century England (endorsed by Queen Elizabeth I) and falling out of favour (as with everything els that was remotely exciting) in Victorian times.  Nowadays, many variants of the traditional lipstick are available - from the popular lip gloss to lip stain!

Quick Guide to choosing your perfect shade

Warm Colours: complexions with warm undertones including Asian, Hispanic and some warm black skin colours look best in colours like salmon, coral and golden brown.

Cool Colours: pastel colours suit paler complexions with cool undertones best, as well as pinkish European complexions and black skin with reddish undertones.  For added wow factor, go for fuchsia or plum and add some drama to your look.

Neutral Colours: these work well on everyone, ranging from peachy shades to orangey reds and everything in between!

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Make-up Fun Facts: Mascara

~ The first ever mascara was brought to life by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th Century. In fact, in many languages, the word 'rimmel' means mascara; whilst the word 'mascara' originated from the Italian word 'maschera' (pro. maskerA, meaning mask).

~ The purpose of mascara is to make the lashes appear fuller and thicker.

~ The mascara we know today was created by the pharmacist T.L. Williams in 1913 for his sister Mabel. To create the mascara, he mixed some fine coal powder with Vaseline petroleum jelly. Mabel was very fond of it and her brother began selling it in the households. This saw the start of the world-famous make up brand Maybelline whose name is made up of Mabel's name and the last few letters of Vaseline!

~ The average mascara has a life-span of between 4 to 6 months from opening. Although most mascaras have antibacterial agents incorporated in them, these remain effective until the product expires. Mascara wands gather bacteria from the eyelashes themselves and surroundings. The bacteria then flourish inside the tube which has the perfect environment for them to proliferate. A tip to prevent bacteria from getting inside your mascara tube: instead of pumping the wand in and out, swirl it out in circular movements and do the same when replacing the wand.

~ If you use an old mascara, there is a high risk of causing irritations and possibly contracting a corneal infection. Therefore, if you notice that a mascara has changed odour or consistency, do not take any risks and throw it away. For more information about cosmetics expiration dates click here.

~ Mascara wands come in all shapes and sizes to suit a wide range of clientele as shown below:

Make-up Fun Facts: Blusher

~ Blusher has been used by women (and in some cases men) to redden their cheeks from Ancient Egyptian times. Whereas the Ancient Egyptians are better known for their early takes on modern day eyeliner and lipstick (evident much in their art and hieroglyphics), their use of the earliest form of blusher is equally impressive.

~ The use of blush fell out of favour during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who made piercing red lips and ghostly white faces fashionable. Later on, during the Regency period, both men and women used blush for the same reasons it is used today - to create a flushed, youthful appearance as well as emphasizing their cheekbones.

~ The Victorians however looked down on this form of trickery, which resulted in women of the era resorting to pinching their cheeks to achieve the same flushed effect. Interestingly, this practice is still favoured by some women today as a natural alternative to cosmetics.

~ Ingredients used to make blusher have ranged from crushed mulberries and strawberries in ancient Greece to the talcum-based powder we use today, the colouring of which is often derived from the petals of the safflower.