The Surprising History of Mascara - How It Became a Beauty Staple

For generations, mascara has been a beauty must. Women (and men) have used mascara to enhance their lashes and define their eyes since ancient Egypt. In this essay, we'll look at the evolution of mascara, from its modest beginnings to current formulas.

What is Mascara?

Mascara is a cosmetic product that is used to lengthen and define the lashes. It usually comes in a tube with a brush applicator for applying the cream to the lashes. Mascara can be used to lengthen, thicken, and darken lashes.

Mascara is manufactured from various components such as pigments, waxes, and oils. Some formulas may include fibers or other compounds that increase the volume of the lashes. Depending on the formulation, mascara can be waterproof or non-waterproof.

The History of Mascara:

Mascara has a lengthy and fascinating history. Mascara was invented in ancient Egypt, when both men and women used kohl to darken and define their lashes. Kohl was made by blending soot, honey, and other ingredients.

Women in ancient Rome used ash and powdered lead to darken their lashes. This method was also widespread in other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages.

Mascara as we know it now first appeared in the eighteenth century. In 1834, Eugene Rimmel, a French perfumer, created the first commercially available mascara. Rimmel's mascara contained coal dust and petroleum jelly, and it was applied to the lashes using a brush.

Mascara became quite popular in the early twentieth century. In 1913, T.L. Williams, the founder of Maybelline, produced the first modern mascara. Williams' mascara was made of petroleum jelly and carbon black pigment, and it came in the form of a cake, which females would wet brush and apply to their lashes. In the 1950s, the invention of the mascara wand expanded the popularity of mascara. Helena Rubinstein created the first mascara wand, which had a spiral-shaped brush that made applying mascara to the lashes easier.

false lashes were popular in the 1960s, and mascara was used to blend natural and false lashes. In the 1970s, waterproof mascara was invented, allowing women to apply mascara without concern of smudging or running.

Mascara nowadays is available in a range of formulations, including waterproof, volumizing, lengthening, and curling. Mascara is available in a variety of shades, including black, brown, blue, and green.

Mascara Ingredients:

As previously said, mascara may be created from a multitude of components. Here are some of the most frequent components found in mascara:

Pigments: Pigments are responsible for the color of mascara. Carbon black is the most frequent pigment used in mascara, giving it its dark, strong color. Iron oxide and other pigments can be used to make brown, blue, or green mascara.

Waxes:

Waxes are responsible for the texture and grip of mascara. Beeswax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax are all common waxes used in mascara. Because it provides a protective barrier surrounding the lashes, beeswax is frequently utilized in waterproof mascara. Carnauba wax has a shiny appearance, but candelilla wax has a soft, smooth feel.

Oils:

Mascara contains oils that help moisturize and maintain the lashes. Castor oil, jojoba oil, and mineral oil are common oils included in mascara. Castor oil promotes hair development, whilst jojoba oil is a natural emollient that softens and hydrates the lashes.

Fibers:

Volumizing mascara contains fibers that enhance thickness and fullness to the lashes. These fibers can be constructed of a number of materials, such as nylon and silk. To achieve a larger, more dramatic effect, the fibers are coated with mascara and applied to the lashes.

Types of Mascara:

There are several different types of mascara available on the market today. Here are some of the most common types of mascara:

Lengthening Mascara:

Lengthening mascara is made specifically to make the lashes look longer. This style of mascara usually features a small, tapered wand for accurate application. Fibers may be included in lengthening mascara to add volume to the lashes.

Volumizing Mascara:

Volumizing mascara is intended to make lashes look bigger and fuller. This mascara features a thicker wand with firm bristles that coats the lashes with a thick film of mascara. Fibers may be included in volumizing mascara to provide volume and thickness to the lashes.

Curling Mascara:

Curling mascara is precisely intended to curl the lashes and keep them curled all day. This mascara features a curved wand that helps to lift and curl the lashes. Conditioning chemicals in curling mascara may also help keep the lashes supple and flexible.

Waterproof Mascara:

Waterproof mascara is particularly intended to be water and perspiration resistant. Waxes and polymers in this type of mascara form a barrier around the lashes, preventing water from passing through. Waterproof mascara is difficult to remove and may necessitate the use of a makeup remover.

Colored Mascara:

Coloured mascara comes in a number of colors such as black, brown, blue, and green. This sort of mascara may be used to give the lashes a flash of color or to match the mascara to the color of the eyes.

Mascara Trends:

Mascara fashion has altered throughout time. Bold, dramatic lashes were popular in the 1960s, with mascara applied to achieve a spiky, doll-like look. Natural lashes were popular in the 1970s, with mascara applied to achieve a more delicate, feathery effect.

In recent years, lashes have become more natural-looking, with mascara being used to accentuate rather than create a dramatic impact. This trend has resulted in the creation of mascaras that are intended to seem more natural and to offer a modest boost to the lashes.

Mascara Brands:

There are many different mascara brands available on the market today. Here are some of the most popular mascara brands:

Maybelline:

Maybelline is one of the most well-known and oldest mascara brands. Maybelline's Great Lash mascara is one of the most popular mascaras of all time and has been a beauty bag essential for many women for decades.

L'Oreal:

Another well-known mascara brand is L'Oreal. Many makeup artists use L'Oreal's Voluminous mascara because of its volumizing and lengthening characteristics.

Covergirl

Covergirl is a well-known drugstore mascara brand that provides a variety of mascara formulations, including volumizing, lengthening, and waterproof alternatives.

Benefit:

Benefit is a high-end beauty company that sells a range of mascaras, including their best-selling They're Real! mascara, which is noted for its lengthening and volumizing capabilities.

Too Faced:

Too Faced is a high-end beauty company that sells a range of mascaras, including their best-selling Better Than Sex mascara, which is recognized for its volumizing and lengthening capabilities.

Lancome:

Lancome is a premium makeup company with a wide range of mascara alternatives, including their renowned Definicils mascara, which is noted for its lengthening and defining abilities.

Dior:

Dior is a premium makeup company with a wide range of mascara options, including their iconic Diorshow mascara, which is noted for its volumizing and lengthening capabilities.

Conclusion:

Mascara has a long history dating back thousands of years. From ancient Egyptians to modern-day cosmetics lovers, mascara has been a mainstay in many people's beauty regimes. There are several mascara alternatives on the market nowadays, ranging from lengthening and volumizing to waterproof and colored. There is mascara for everyone, whether you want a bold, dramatic appearance or a more natural boost to your lashes. So, confidently bat those lashes, knowing that the history of mascara is on your side.