The history of lipstick might be more interesting than you know expect. Despite the stages and techniques than have been advancing and developing, make up stays the same. It is used to highlight features for various purposes for as long as one can remember. This is particularly true in the case of lipsticks. From berries to today’s mind-numbing variety, the metamorphosis of lipsticks over time is an interesting tale that needs to be told.
Back to the ancient civilization, make up was a status symbol that men and women applies. Apart from aesthetics make up was used for medicinal appeal. People from Sumerian civilization can be credited as the earliest users of lipsticks. The stain was procured from naturally occurring substances like fruits, henna, clay rust, and of course insects. Mesopotamian women were a little on the fancier side and used ground precious jewels to add color and shimmer to their lips.
Egyptians were, perhaps, the first true lipstick lovers. Bold and striking shades that are dark like purple and black were common. They derived color from some rather interesting sources such as carmine dye that was derived from grounded cochineal insects. In fact, carmine dye is still used in lipsticks and other products. However, Egyptians used harmful substances like lead and a mixture bromine man-nite and iodine which may result in serious diseases or even death.
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