Preserving Our History through Cosmetics
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Cosmetics have been a part of most civilizations dating back to prehistoric times. Early modern humans used the natural pigments found in plants and fruits to decorate themselves with body painting. In 3500 BC, women in Mesopotamia, or modern day Iraq, began manufacturing the first man made beauty products in the world, worn by both men and women. Cosmetics have huge importance in our history, but how are they being remembered and preserved today?
The Makeup Museum in New York City is dedicated to doing just this. With the use of large-scale exhibits and events, the museum helps to safeguard beauty history artifacts across cultures and time periods. Its oldest object is a 5,000-year-old kohl jar from Ancient Egypt and the newest come from 2020 product launches, when the museum opened. The museum also houses an expansive collection of 1950s artifacts, displayed in its first exhibit, “Pink Jungle: 1950s Makeup in America.” Many of these artifacts were owned by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo.
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A plethora of these products are still produced and loved today. For example, many people still use Pond’s cold cream as a makeup remover, which is a product that was first introduced to stores in 1905. Revlon has been selling their well-known lipsticks since 1939 and Nivea facial moisturizer has been on the shelves since 1911.
Just like any other historical artifacts, preserved cosmetics require special care. Most cosmetic ingredients degrade rapidly due to their consumable nature, so temperature and humidity must be controlled. When not on display, the products are stored in special facilities that are able to regulate these factors long-term.
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We can use these preserved products to understand what daily life was like for people in the past and what they placed value on, such as outward appearance. This can also help us to compare our own lifestyles and reflect on the roots of our own priorities today. This practice preserves not only the physical products themselves, but also their importance to the past, present, and future.
Strike Out,
Writer: Maya Kayyal
Editor: Madison Sloan
Saint Augustine
