History of Mascara

Credits: Myfatpocket.com

Let's try to omit the existence of false lashes for awhile.. We all know at this era, Mascara on its own is a renowned beauty product, essential to many ladies (and perhaps some of you pretty males out there ya?) who will not step an inch out of their houses without it. What many might not be aware of is that the history of mascara dates all the way back to 4000BC when the Egyptians found a substance called Kohl.


Kohl is used to darken eyelashes, eyes, and eyebrows. Back then, it was used to mask the eyes (simply put, Eyeliner) to ward off evil spirits and protecting the soul, by both men and women.

Illustration of Egyptian lady wearing mascara while being watched by a Princess Fiona looking lady

Often composed of galena, malachite, and charcoal or soot, crocodile stool, honey, and water (no need for us to get into it scientifically since this is not a Pro-Chemistry blog) was added to keep the kohl from running. Egyptians used bone and ivory as mascara applicators, and blended Kohl with crocodile dung (ew?!), water and honey to create the first mascara.

Ancient Egyptian Kohl pots (credits to: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/)

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Kohl was considered solely a cosmetic while it continued to be widely-used in the Middle East for religious purposes. Women wearing veils wore them to enhance their already pretty eyes.

Ancient drawings of Cleopatra suggest that mascara and body painting were widely used for both protection, celebration, war and death practices.

Egyptians wearing mascara for each other! No I'm kidding.

Interestingly in the photo above, what you see are Egyptian ladies wearing incense cones on top of their heads for formal occasions. As the cone burned, the incense dripped down into their wigs and this acted as a sort of perfume. Reminds me of the disturbing movie named Perfume.

In 1872, petroleum jelly was patented and the most prominent ingredient in mascara was born. It took many years until petroleum jelly was mixed to create mascara, but finally the invention was made.
In 1917, Eugene Rimmel, founder of Maybelline Cosmetics, created the first packaged cosmetic mascara.

Maybe It's Just Maybelline?

We'll be writing a review on our favorite mascara of all time soon!