A Condensed Background Of Mineral Eyeshadow For Cosmetic And Other Use

By Haywood Hunter


Women, men and even children have used mineral eyeshadow and other substances to augment their features and enhance their appearance for literally thousands of years. Evidence for this comes from the Old Testament (Ezekiel 23:40) and Egyptian burials dating back to 10,000 BC. Shadow is brushed onto the upper eyelids for color and depth.

The Egyptians, and women today, used a black substance called kohl to enhance their eyes, improve vision, prevent infection and reduce glare. Kohl is made from burnt almonds and minerals such as antimony, copper and malachite, ochre and ash.

Between 800 and 700 years BC, the Greeks had a substance called 'fucus', which they made from lapis luzuli and malachite, crushed and powdered to produce vivid blue and green eye shadows. This and other cosmetics at the time formed a significant part of the Greek economy.

With the expansion of their empire, the Romans were introduced to the Iranians who, like the Egyptians, used kohl to fend off the attentions of the evil eye. They adapted the sacred oils for use in sexual practices. Eventually, they discovered medicinal and spiritual uses for the materials.

Bronze Age India left evidence that kohl was employed by people of all ages, including young infants, to repel not only the evil eye, but bacteria and glare as well. This practice spread to Morocco and all over Africa. The substance they used then was derived from antimony and lead. History does not record how many people went blind or died from the poisonous heavy metals, but today's kohl is completely safe.

Mineral eyeshadow today comes in a dizzying array of different shades. If there is a colored mineral, it can be crushed, made into powder and pressed into packaging for cosmetic use. The powder may be used as it comes, dry, or moistened with sterile water to produce more vibrant shades.




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