Makeup In America Essay

The use of makeup in the United States has always had a significant impact. Over time, women have become increasingly dependent on the glamorous effects of makeup. The evolution of makeup in the United States from 1865 is quite thorough, regarding the complex variety of purposes, formulas, and packaging. The application and use of makeup has been ever-changing during the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

In the 1800s, makeup was primarily worn by actors and prostitutes. Makeup was viewed as sinful and vulgar, although neutral tones were permitted for a healthy glow. During this time period, wealthy women would use powder made from rice flour, which was considered socially acceptable. The most popular cosmetic of the 19th century was blush, or rouge. Blush provided a rosy look to cheeks, creating a sign of good health. Blush was available

in a liquid, powder, and cream form.

Eye makeup and lip products were less common cosmetics of the 19th century. Soot was sometimes mixed with oil or water to form a black product that could be used as eyeliner, eyeshadow, or mascara. The effect of this was unnatural and avoided. Overall, less obvious makeup was preferred among the middle and upper classes, while more dramatic makeup was associated with actors and prostitutes.

With the turn of the century also came the turn of the evolution of makeup. In the early 20th century, makeup grew fashionable in America due to ballet, theatre, and most importantly, Hollywood. With the popularity of silent films came the use of lipstick, as most women in films wore black lipstick. It was also around this time that the first push-up tubes of lipstick were available, rather than wrapped in silk paper and made with castor oil and beeswax. In the 1920s, Coco Chanel created the “Flapper” style, which embraced dark eyes and red lipstick. Still, the Victorian image adapted from the 1800s remained in fashion until mass makeup marketing arose during the 1920s. Cosmetic companies

such as Max Factor and Maybelline flourished. Lip gloss was introduced by Max Factor and the first eyelash curler, Kurlash, became highly sought-after. Women started wearing lipstick in hues of red and plum, along with accentuating their lips to look poutier. By doing so, they would draw their lips in smaller than their natural lip line. Eyeshadow was shaped triangular to achieve the look of droopy eyes, while eyebrows were shaved off and penciled in to create an animated look. In the 1940s, foundation started matching women’s actual skin color. Contouring became popular to make noses appear smaller and cheekbones higher. Eyeliner was winged outward to give the “cat eye” effect. During World War 2, it became the patriotic duty of female citizens to “put their face on,” or simply apply makeup. Aided by the movie industry, lipstick and face powder became extremely popular. In the 1960s, everything about the application of makeup changed. Long and thick upper and lower lashes were the new trend. Many women even applied false eyelashes to add length and volume. With the era of the 1960s and hippies came a more liberated makeup style, with white lips and Egyptian-lined eyes. Heavily lined eyes continued through the 1970s and 1980s with a wide range of eyeshadow colors.
In today’s world, women have hundreds of cosmetics to choose from, with a wide variety of colors and uses. Today’s trend seems to have reverted to the more natural look with a blending of techniques from the past.