Eye makeup has a long history, with its origins dating back thousands of years.
Early Origins
The use of eye makeup can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia around 10,000 BC. Interestingly, at that time, eyeshadow was commonly worn by both men and women. Eye makeup also has roots in Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egypt
- Ancient Egyptians used malachite to create a greenish hue around the eyes. This was one of the earliest known forms of eyeshadow.
Summary
| Civilization | Time Period | Who Wore It | Purpose | Material Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Mesopotamia | Around 10,000 BC | Men and Women | Unknown - possibly decorative or symbolic | Unknown |
| Ancient Egypt | Ancient Times | Unspecified | Cosmetic | Malachite |
