History of makeup (Greece)

In ancient Greece, makeup played a crucial role in defining the aesthetics and beauty of the civilization. Although the Greeks were characterized by a culture focused on naturalness and virility, they are credited with creating the concepts of aesthetics from the Greek aisthetikos, meaning "susceptible to be perceived by the senses," and also the care and worship of the body as well as the use of cosmetics in general. In fact, the term "cosmetics" originated from the Greek "kosmetikos," meaning "skillful in decoration."

The Greeks left a profound influence on Western cultures regarding makeup. This influence spread throughout Europe, giving rise to a wide variety of cosmetic products and formulas that have evolved over time, contributing to innovations that persist today.

With the arrival of Alexander the Great, a more prominent use of makeup was also introduced, especially among courtesans. These women used white gold face powder and red powder to highlight their cheeks, marked their eyelashes, tinted and outlined their eyebrows, and highlighted their eyes with kohl, creating a special fascination with this area of the face.

The eyes, considered the seat of thoughts and emotions, were the object of special cosmetic care throughout ancient history. Despite the risks, such as the lead content in the white powders used, Greek women sacrificed health for the desired appearance.

The Greeks were influenced by oriental charm, adopting exaggerated tastes for cosmetics, including Indian perfumes, gold powder hair dyes, and various coloring cosmetics.

Also very important for the Greeks at that time were essences and moisturizing oils that were scented with incense, thyme, myrrh and even with essences of fruits and nuts such as almonds, which allowed them to have porcelain skin and smell good.

Curiously, Greek women wore a brow, sometimes created with animal hair, similar to Roman

women of the time. The importance of beauty was not limited by social status; everyone had the possibility to worship the body and share the concern for beauty.

The ritual of makeup for a Greco-Latin lady included the use of various substances, from fragrant ointments to soaps made from fava bean flour. After grooming, products such as aloe and barbaric soap were applied to brighten the face. The process culminated with a session of hairstyling, manicure, pedicure, and intimate perfuming. The lady finished by impregnating her dress with rose perfume, ready to face her social activities.

Some moisturizers were made with white wax melted in olive oil and crushed rosebuds. Lanolin derived from sheep's wool oil was considered the simplest and cheapest cosmetic, reaching our days without losing its prestige as an ideal moisturizer, since it did not contain toxic products.

Thus, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for makeup culture, leaving a legacy that has influenced cosmetic practices and products throughout history.

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