Powder, and Paint

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 71, 1 November 1940, Page 7

Powder, and Paint

"THE implication that the women of to-day are : creating a precedent by using cosmetics, is rather funny, because powder, perfumes, lipstick and ‘rouge-in fact all the dressing-table effects of the modern woman-were in use thousands of years B.C. From scattered symbols, we know that savage man was interested in capturing

the fragrant aromas’ which soothed or stimulated his emotions, and he probably derived a certain amount of pleasure from staining his body. But we must turn to the land of the Pyramids for really concrete evidence, and the mysteries of the toilettes of Egyptian ladies have been ruthlessly revealed in classic literature and by archaeologists. It is

amazing to find that these women far outdid any 1940 film-star. Eyelids were heavily blackened with Kohl-the ancient equivalent of mascara-which was applied with a tiny ivory or wooden stick, while a heavy dollop of green paint beneath the eyes was guaranteed to make them appear larger and more lustrous. Sesame oil, obtained from the seeds of the sesame plant, olive oil, and almond oil were used as skin softeners and beautifiers, lips were crimsoned, and finger nails and the palms of the hands stained with henna.-(Miss L. Rowland, " Fashions, Ancient and Modern : Cosmetics," 4YA, October 15).