Most people might think that cosmetics are a modern invention but in reality, cosmetics have been used since ancient times. Often they were used in religious ceremonies – as seen in ancient Egypt – or as cultural identification.

Egypt’s influence impacted the practices and uses of cosmetics though the rest of the ancient world, particularly ancient Rome. As Rome’s influence faded, so too did the acceptability of cosmetics. At the same time, the influence of other cultures began to increase and the aesthetics of beauty changed and the use of cosmetics declined.