History and evolution of the eyeshadow
All you need to know about this beauty secret with a very old history
G-Club
February 3rd, 2021
February 3rd, 2021
We already revealed the ancient origins of mascara, and today's star product is no exception. Let's talk about eyeshadow, mascara's best ally to enhance the look, which has experienced a real momentum in this 2020.
Thanks to its different textures, compositions and colors, it is certainly the makeup product that can change the wearer's appearance more quickly and more clearly, allowing you to create natural nude looks, but also eccentric and multicolor color combinations. Much loved by the world of cinema, theater, dance and, of course, fashion, it is a real must-have for every noteworthy look.
The shades available on the market today are practically infinite, combined with many effects and finishes such as mat, glitter, wet or shine. We can choose our favorite texture - in cream, gel, powder - and practically every cosmetic and make-up brand has its signature palette among the best-selling products.
Unlike today, however, in the course of history, eyeshadow has not been used only for mere appearance, but to express the social status, the religion and the habits.
In Ancient Egypt, twelve centuries ago, we find the first traces of the use of eyeshadow: khol in fact, a paste of various minerals and animal fat, of an intense black color, as well as being the basis for mascara, was the blend from which the eyeshadow was born. This very thick mixture was used to protect the eyes from bright light and to prevent infections and redness. The pharaohs and the royal class also wore their eyes to simulate the gods. Other traces have been found in Mesopotamia, five thousand years ago. In ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, eyeshadow definitively abandoned its religious significance and began to be used by the aristocracy of the time, as a fine makeup imported from India and Babylon. To overcome this lack of raw material, the Romans began to create their own version, mixing herbs, spices, minerals, dried flowers and parts of animals.
Now let's take a leap forward: the eyeshadow we know today was born only during the roaring twenties, becoming popular among flapper girls all feathers and beads, great smokey eyes lovers. In the 60s, on the other hand, the most used shades were blue, green and soft purple, faded up to the eyebrow arch. In the 80s, the green light was given to bright and metallic shades, strictly combined with equally dark lipsticks, which paved the way for the glittery makeup of the 90s that surely many of us remember. Bright colors paired with equally shiny lips.
Today the tones are certainly less bright, and the nude look is the most popular; eyeshadow is often also used as a blush and make-up artists prefer matte lipsticks in the same shades. After retracing its origins and uses, the time has come to make us (or give a gift), and choose our favorite eyeshadows among the selection by nss G-Club. If you are feeling bold try to exploit the old rule.
