Cosmetic Application
Oh joy, a topic I find riveting. I love how the application of cosmetics has changed over the ages. I know grandfather Scaramenti didn't understand what it was that interested me so much in the history of cosmetics and the application there of. To think about how pigments can be applied to skin to highlight or mask, beautify or terrify. So much can be done with so little.
History
The origins of cosmetics begins with war paint. Even now some still call it that. It started with the use of kohl around the eyes and on the cheek bones of warriors, to cut glare while in battle. For a long time the only people who could wear "make-up" were those in combat or power; ie. warriors, chiefs, kings, shamans, and councilors.
After the Unending War the use of cosmetics became more widespread, as new forms, types, and colours became available. The use of bright red for lips was the sole prerogative of ladies of ill repute. This was how people knew they had something to sell.
As more people began crafting new forms of cosmetics, their use became more accepted. Theatre houses would use them for the stage, making it easier to see the actors on stage as well as to differentiate a male character from a female character in the play.
In the current era, men who wear "make-up" are not common. Cosmetics have become the sole prerogative of women. They are used to enhance not hide facial features in order to attract attention. Cosmetics are commonly used for social and formal events, like balls and dances.
Now let's get into the act of applying cosmetics. Before there were mirrors, warriors would help each other with their facial war paint. Some warriors found a way to make a blue war paint from the woad plant. They would use this to paint their bodies before going into battle. After the Unending War, brushes crafted from wood and horse hair became the chosen means of applying cosmetics since it left the hands stain free. The use of mirrors allowed those applying cosmetics to do so without assistance.
Execution
Cosmetics need to be applied to a clean face, otherwise they become clumpy and horrid looking. The order of application is a cream foundation, concealer, then a powdered foundation. Once this is evenly applied then comes the rest. The order the cosmetics are applied after the foundation layers differ depending on the look they are going for. For contouring you can use a darker pigment to increase shadow or brighter pigments to highlight. Kohl is used around the eyes to make them pop. Eye shadow is placed on the eyelid to enhance the look. Subtle colours for a daytime look, and dark or bright colours for a nighttime look. Blush is used on the apples of the cheeks to brighten them. For the lips, a mixture of berries and honey was used to give them colour.
Components and tools
The main components for cosmetic application are the powdered cosmetics used, and the brushes used for blending and applying them. A mirror is a must unless you have someone to help. The proper lighting makes it easier to apply the cosmetics since you need to be able to see where you missed, or if it is too thick in one area or another. When it becomes too thick the only way to fix it is to blend more until thins out and produces the effect you were going for.
I like the interpretation of the prompt, and the second sentence, about how some people still refer to cosmetics as war paint, made me chuckle. Nice little article.