Mascara: A History Lesson

Mascara is essential to me and I believe most would agree with this notion. Thanks to my Italian side, I have long lashes (I am not bragging, it's just a fact). However, these long lashes were the main reason why I originally DIDN'T use mascara. "I don't need it, my lashes are already long!", the 17 year old version of myself would exclaim. I was so dead WRONG about not utilizing this magic product. I think that is why I am so obsessed with it now, because I deprived myself of it for years! I am not alone in this obsession. In stats done in 2011 by statista.com, mascara came in on top in US drugstores, grossing over 103 million in sales. In my first of many beauty history lessons, I would like to begin the first in this series with my favorite and the ever-so-popular, mascara. 

Beauty Breakdown

• What does "mascara" mean: Mascara is said to be a hybrid of the Spanish word máscara, meaning stain and the Italian word "maschera" meaning mask. This is clever wording since the product itself functions as a stain or mask for the eyelashes. 
• Origin: This product dates back to 4000 b.c in Egypt, yes that long ago.Originally, the intent for using mascara was to ward off evil spirits and protect the soul. It was common for both men and women to use it for these reasons. 
• Ingredients: The first mascaras, or "kohl", was a variety of ingredients including charcoal, honey, and crocodile dung (ewwwww). They also used two all star ingredients galena and malachite. Galena is a type of lead that has been used for centuries. It is a popular natural resource because of its ability to melt under low melting points, making it easy to "smelt". Malachite is also a mineral, with a unique green hue that was popular for "smelting". 
• Mascara in the Beauty Industry: Makeup in general was frowned upon in Europe and was seen as crass. It wasn't until the Victorian Era that it became popular. In the 19th century, a chemist named Eugene Rimmel (sound familiar?), invented petroleum jelly (thanks Eugene!!). Another chemist, T.L Williams created a similar product. Both products, combined with coal and petroleum, helped kick start the mascara business and beauty business in general. T.L Williams and his sister Maybel would go on to create Maybelline. That's right friends, mascara was the first product to help both Maybelline and Rimmel become the beauty powerhouses they are today!

Mascara Today

• Bestsellers: Although Rimmel and Maybelline helped pave the way for mascara's beginning, it is actually Cover Girl who reigns as a best seller in the drug store sector. According to a study done by statista.com , Cover Girl was found to be used in 9.97% of American households. 
• Variations: Coming in hundreds, yes hundreds of styles, competing brands put out mascaras including water proof, water resistant, color shades, and various bristle shapes and sizes all claiming to be the best of the best.
• Trends: One of the most popular mascara trends as of late is the use of fibers in mascara formulas. Fibers are made from materials like silk, rayon, and nylon. They bind to the lash, creating an extension of your natural lashes. Sidenote: Although weird at first, it seriously looks like cotton on your eyelashes, it is very effective. I also found this type of formula easier to remove and less damaging to my lashes.  

Final Thoughts:

Finding a great mascara is like shopping for clothes, it has to feel right,look great, and work well with the assets you already have. Happy mascara hunting :) P.S Be grateful we don't need to use gator poo anymore to make our lashes look fierce.

With Love,

GOGOGABZ

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