How Is Makeup Made?

The process of making makeup is simple and is similar across all brands and types of cosmetics.The method of making makeup does differ between different products such as mascara and highlighter. However, the base of most makeups is wax, oil, water, and mica. 

Mascara consists of different types of wax, vitamin E, emulsifier, water, and iron oxide pigment. The iron oxide is to make the mascara black in color. 

Liquid foundation is made with different bases. This can include a water based foundation, or a silicone based foundation. Water based foundation combines oil and water with emollients and pigment to create a lightweight liquid.

A silicone liquid foundation consists of dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone and polysiloxane. Basically, these polymers (silicone) are mixed together with pigment and oils to make a smooth, liquid foundation. 

In foundation, other ingredients present may be mineral oil, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and alcohol.  

Lipstick is made from wax, iron oxide pigment, and moisturizers such as natural plant oil. In the formula, the wax enables the lipstick to stay on and look shiny. The pigment is formed from different colors of iron oxide. 

The wax/oil solution is mixed into the water solution along with colors and pigments in all makeup. This is then put into machines or shapes to start the filling process.

Products such as mascara will be put into the tube and then sealed with a wand. Foundation will be mixed and poured into the glass. Powder foundation will be pressed using an agent to hold the powder into shape. 

What Is Mica?

Mica is a mineral which is found in the ground in some countries and is mined for cosmetic products and hardware. Mica is a type of phyllosilicate, meaning it is a two-dimensional structure. It is usually found within all major rock types, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock. In basic terms, mica is a type of mineral dust found in the ground that is added to make up such as powder foundation and highlighter. 

What Are The Main Ingredients In Makeup? 

The main ingredients in makeup are water, wax, oil, emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners, moisturisers, pigments and talc. Obviously, the elements differ between the types of cosmetics. For example, mascara may not contain talc, but powders and highlighters will. These are the most common ingredients used across all types of makeup.

How Are Makeup Palettes Made?

Makeup palettes are made with the same ingredients, just in a larger and different quantity. For example, eyeshadow palettes may have up to 50 different colors. Each eyeshadow is made from similar ingredients, but they have different pigments. The different colors are put in other vats and distributed separately to the palette. Bases to eyeshadow are primarily talc, kaolin clay and mica. 

When Was Makeup Invented?

Makeup was used from the ancient Egyptian era, specifically 3100-2907 BC. One of the first records and evidence of cosmetics from this period was the usage of unguent jars, which people used as a skin moisturizer to avoid wrinkles. It was scented as of later periods.

So, makeup originates from around 6,000 years ago! This was found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians. They found makeup kits and substances such as lead ore and copper.

The lead and copper are referred to as galena mesdemet, which women added to their faces for color and contouring. They also used kohl (oxidized copper, burnt almonds, ash, and lead) as eyeliner. Men and women in ancient Egypt also used scented oils to clean and soften their skin.

There is also evidence of Chinese royalty in the Zhou dynasty inventing makeup in the first millennium BC. They supposedly used egg whites, beeswax, and gelatin to paint their nails different colors such as gold, copper, and silver.

Cleopatra has been recorded to wear bright lipstick, which she made from crushing up carmine beetles and red ants! There is no solid makeup inventor, but it has been a part of different cultures for thousands of years. 

Who Was The First Person To Use Makeup?

There is no singular person responsible for being the first person ever to use makeup, but as stated above, there is sufficient evidence to say that ancient Egyptians and Chinese zhou were the first.

The tombs from the first dynasty of Egypt uncovered cosmetic artifacts along with old drawings. Cleopatra was a confirmed figure who used makeup.

She was known for her bright red lips and outlined cat eyes. Her lipstick was bright red and was made of beetles. Her eyeliner was made of kohl.

What Was The First Makeup Brand?

The first makeup brand was Shiseido, which was the first recorded skin care product originating in Japan in 1897. The makeup market did not gain prominence until the 1910s, with current makeup brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Max Factor. These were some of the first makeup brands. Other makeup brands that developed after world war two were Revlon and Estée Lauder. 

Which Ingredients In Makeup Are Bad For You? 

There are some ingredients in makeup that are not the best for you. Most of them are not harmful to you unless you are allergic to or are directly ingesting them, which is unlikely.

Some of the ‘bad’ ingredients for you are Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Triclosan, Parfum (fragrance), alcohol, and lead. Although these chemicals are not found exclusively in all products and are not completely harmful, they are not the best for you or your skin. Alcohol is an irritant and can dry out your skin.

Parabens are preservatives that are intended to keep your face and product clean but can interfere with your skin and function. Parfum is an irritant and has been known to cause disruption in hormones. 

To summarize, makeup is made in different ways depending on the product, but most contain similar ingredients. Most liquid makeup products contain oil, water, wax, emulsifiers, and pigment.

Most powders contain talc, mica, pigments, and magnesium carbohydrate.

Makeup is made in a simple process with similar ingredients. They are mixed and distributed directly into the applicator for use.