History But Fast episodes
The Comprehensive History of Make-up and Its Cultural Impact

The Comprehensive History of Make-up and Its Cultural Impact

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Discover the true history of make-up beyond modern myths of self-expression and confidence. Historically, make-up was intertwined with status, sexual competition, class, rituals, and power, reflecting societal hierarchies.


This episode explores the origins of face painting, who had the privilege to wear it, and its significance across time periods.


Topics include:

  • Make-up in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome
  • Cosmetics as indicators of class, fertility, health, and dominance
  • The use of hazardous substances by elites
  • Make-up as a tool for sexual and political signaling
  • Periods of prohibition and stigmatization
  • The religious perspective on cosmetics as deceit
  • The rise of modern make-up with mass production and media influence
  • The monetization of insecurity by industries

Understand why make-up evolved, not just for aesthetic pleasure, but as a factor in survival, mating, and status.

#make-up history, #status signaling, #sexual competition, #class separation, #ritual, #power, #ancient societies, #cosmetics, #mass production, #consumer control