num_pages: 304
description: Throughout history women (and men) have applied make-up to enhance alter conceal and even to disguise their appearance. Also to a greater or lesser degree over time cosmetics have been used as a visible and tangible marker of social status gender wealth health and well being. A closer look at the world of makeup gives us not only a mirror reflecting day to day living in the past but also an indicator of the economic and political climate of a given period in history. Anyone who has ever wondered how the Romans used algae to color their faces and urine to whiten their teeth how Radium came to be a popular 1930's beauty trend or how make-up survived the war will enjoy this colorful journey through the human obsession with improving how we look.
language: English
title: Painted Faces: A Colourful History of Cosmetics
publisher: Amberley Publishing