
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.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.