
When you think about beauty trends from history, chances are your mind goes to the dramatic flapper bob from the Roaring ’20s or maybe the cat eyes Greaser gals made famous in the ’50s. But what about before that? Like, long before that. We’re talking BC times here. While it may come as a surprise to you, hair + makeup were just as beloved back then as they are now. But as you might have guessed, the most popular styles were very, very different. Now you can check out those ancient looks and then some in Buzzfeed’s latest trends-through-time video.
The four-minute crash course focuses not on the 20th century makeup we know and love, but rather spotlights looks we might not be so familiar with. Starting all the way back in 31 BC, we watch as a beauty with dark skin gets transformed into a mega eye-lined look that was all the rage in ancient Egypt. Then the video transitions to ancient Greece where women actually used to glue animal hair on their faces if they didn’t have a natural unibrow (say whaaat?).
After ancient Greece, the video jumps to India’s Gupta Age (320-550 AD) where eyes were lined with kohl and hair was decorated with fresh flowers. Things get a little wild as we head into the Elizabethan era (think: a glamorized version of clown makeup) and continue to take the more-is-more attitude as we arrive at the time of the Japanese Geisha.
In addition to simply showing you each look, Buzzfeed points out fun facts about each different era, like how Geishas used to paint a white “W” shape around the nape of their neck and how during the years leading up to the French Revolution, ladies used grease as lip gloss and sometimes painted on veins (pale skin was ideal back then). As interesting as these pro tips are, we can’t say we’ll be copying any of these looks to a tee.
Unlike the transformative beauty history videos that have been popular as of late, Buzzfeed’s take chooses to put more of an emphasis on global, cultural trends as a whole and we commend them for that. This isn’t the kind of beauty video you watch to learn how to replicate a look IRL but rather the kind where you walk away with a little more insight about an era you probably weren’t familiar with before. Buzzfeed, if you’re listening, we’re already ready for more.
What’s the most interesting bit of info you took away from this video? Share with us in the comments below.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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