It is not known for sure where the makeup originated, but its findings date back to 164,000 BC. Scientists have found traces of coal, rocks, flowers, clays and dozens of other components in the powders and pastes discovered over the years. It is believed that the purpose of these early cosmetics was to protect the skin and to highlight facial features more. Throughout history, both women and men have used makeup for multiple purposes which will be illustrated in the following work. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The earliest known evidence of people using makeup was discovered deep in a cave in South Africa. There were several dark and reddish colored powdery pigments in small bowls on the cave floor. There were also small round balls of yellowish pastes in other bowls against the empty walls. Scientists have dated all these discoveries to around 164,000 BC and most likely even earlier. The importance of these historical findings has been recognized in almost every era, up until today. Early Native people across the nation used earth-based makeup techniques to show rank or dominance in their tribe. Images of animals, plants, or other natural formations would appear everywhere on their skin. This impact on history caused an explosion of popularity in how makeup has been used between then and now. It is known that makeup is made up of many unique materials. Scientists and cosmologists have marveled at the unique use of iron-rich clays for lipsticks, burnt almonds and charcoal for eyeliner or chalk to brighten any dark spots. The list of unusual ingredients goes on and on, from toasted foods to ground minerals. Over a period of 6,000 years, the Egyptians created the foundation for eyeliner, the Greeks used different earth blends for skin foundations, and Chinese dynasties discovered they could use gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax, and a egg mixture for the purpose of coloring their nails. The world was rapidly evolving in the way people sought the ideal image of themselves. The first invention of these cosmetics was conceived as a way to express oneself and/or one's rank in the tribe or group in which they lived. Subsequently, over time, cosmetics were used to protect a person's skin from the elements or the sunlight it received daily; this technique was primarily focused on areas receiving adverse weather conditions. After people discovered some of the uses their pastes, clays, or powders could have, they began to experiment with them more and eventually realized that they could use them to enhance their image. Later in the timeline, queens and even kings used makeup on a daily basis just to be the best they could be. Chalks were used to lighten the area under the eyes, pressed powders and pinks were used to tone the cheeks, dark blacks or blues were used around the eyes to draw more attention to them, the possibilities of how to do this and you can use makeup are almost infinite. Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Since 164,000 BC to the present day, makeup is used in almost all everyday situations. Both women and men wear it to their heart's contentment. Instead of blends of clays and charcoals when makeup was first introduced in our history, blends now consist of multiple products.