The Flower Garland ... a timeless indulgence

Flowers everywhere in fashion, style and makeup.  The ethereal maiden romantic, pin-up sweetheart or race wear vogue, whatever you're into, you can't go wrong with flowers.  I'm so glad that flower hair accessories are gracing our fashion runways and lifestyles again.  Flowers make us feel alive and happy!  Floral prints represent spring and summer, and wearing an in-vogue blossom crown brings innocence and sweetness to women everywhere.  You could be having a terrible day, feeling a little blue, but wear your floral piece and it will nourish and comfort your soul.  That is the power of the flower, I hope you feel beautiful today.

  

                                      

Makeup in History: Egyptian Makeup

The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage was found in Ancient Egypt in 4000 B.C.  Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics.  The Romans and Ancient Egyptians, not realising their dangerous properties, used cosmetics containing mercury and white lead.  Lead seems to have been around since time began!  The Ancient Egyptians adored their fragrances, particularly frankincense and myrrh, both are mentioned in the Bible.  They also used a wide variety of makeup tools and utensils.

 Kohl was used to outline the eyes and was made up of several different ingredients such as: lead, copper, burned almonds, soot, and combined with other ingredients.  It was believed that eye makeup could ward off evil spirits and improve eyesight.  If it were true, I'd have the best eyesight around, we love eyeliner at The Makeup Theory!  Even the poor Egyptians wore eye makeup.  The production of cosmetics during Ancient Rome, was usually done by female slaves called 'Cosmatae'.  Kohl was originally used as protection against eye ailments and glare from the sun.  Kohl, along with malachite (copper carbonate mineral) green in colour, and lipstick made from ochre oil.  Ochre oil is derived naturally tinted clay containing mineral oxides.  Cleopatra is known to have coloured her lips with carmine dyes.


Elizabeth Taylor as "Cleopatra"




Egyptian Makeup & Hair design worksheet



Egyptian Makeup Chart

 



 

Above are various Egyptian eye makeup designs we've created.  Note the inclusion of modern colours, eyeliner design and brow definition.  You can alter a traditional eye makeup design and give it a modern edge, great for runway styling, fashion photo shoot or performance.

Makeup in History: 17th Century Elizabethan - Brows

In 17th Century England, Queen Elizabeth I totally removed her brows, and to create a more enhanced white skin she also removed a strip of hair above her forehead.  To create perfect translucent white skin, she painted artificial veins on her brow space.  She also whitened her face with 'ceruse', a paste of white lead compounds applied with a damp cloth.  This was the fashion of the day, white lead powders were popular and many deaths occurred in the name of beauty. 

  

Queen Elizabeth I 

   

 

  Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I