Introduction

Every morning, most women spend a significant amount of time in front of the mirror, applying makeup, but how many of them are aware of the evolution of the products which they are using?

This exhibit will explore the history and gradual commercialization of makeup, beginning in the 1850s and concluding in the 1930s. It will also examine the complex reasons behind this evolution, such as the growing women’s suffrage movement, the rise of Hollywood, and the development of modern beauty standards. Americans, especially women, should know this history because it influences today’s multi-billion dollar cosmetic industry. Early makeup included toxic ingredients in their recipes, leading to health issues for the women using them; while today’s industries are still largely unregulated, they are certainly safer than the cosmetics of the past.

We hope you enjoy our exhibit and find it informative and engaging. Please feel free to address any comments, questions, or concerns to the curators via the link in the conclusion.

Credits:

Josie Cotton, Rebecca Johnston, Kate Longo