The evolution of: makeup

• Alexander the Great wore makeup. Eye makeup protected the skin around the eyes and repelled flies. It also sheltered the eyes from the sun's glare.
• Ancient Britons were known as 'Picts' - the painted ones. They had blue woad painted over their faces.

• During the beginning of the century, the pale complexion symbolised an aristocratic person who did not have to work for their income. Makeup sought to reproduce this pale appearance.
• After the 1920s, designers followed Hollywood’s lead, and Coco Chanel popularised a now classic look: dark eyes, red lipstick and a suntan.
• During WWII, makeup was in short supply. Beetroot became a popular supplement for lip stain and boot polish was used as mascara.
• The rise of mainstream feminism in the 1960s and 70s saw many women partaking in an anti-cosmetics movement. They claimed that makeup was a tool in objectification.
• The 1970s was a time of real boom for men wearing makeup.
• 1980s looks featured bright eye shadows teamed with bold lipsticks and big hair.
• The 1990s brought normcore and grunge to the mainstream.

In the 21st century, makeup is for everyone. Men are quickly catching onto products such as concealer and eyeliner to enhance their own features.

As gender equality movements progress, the line between who ‘can and can’t’ wear makeup is becoming ever more blurred. Now more than ever, makeup is seen as a tool of self-expression, whoever that self may be.