Prompt Cast
The History and Impact of Makeup: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Times
TLDR This podcast episode explores the history of makeup, from its origins in ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks to its evolution into a multi-billion dollar industry. It also discusses the safety regulations surrounding cosmetics and the personal choice of wearing makeup.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The podcast episode titled "How Makeup Works" discusses the history of makeup, starting with the Egyptians and Sumerians, and the growth of the cosmetic industry, which is now worth $62.5 billion.
05:07
The use of makeup dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, and has evolved over time to include ingredients like lead and ash, as well as the use of hot tongs to curl hair and vegetable pigments to redden the face, until it fell out of fashion in the Middle Ages due to income inequality.
10:25
The rise of makeup in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was influenced by the movie industry, the affordability of mirrors, and the desire to look good in portraits, leading to the invention of new makeup products such as foundation, eyeliner, lip gloss, and nail polish.
15:14
The lipstick wars of the 1950s were sparked by Revlon, Hazel Bishop, and Cody, with Revlon ultimately coming out on top due to their advertising on the popular TV show "The $64,000 Question."
20:24
Makeup safety regulations in the US have not changed since 1938, but there is a bill awaiting hearings that could change this and bring regulations more in line with those in the EU.
25:44
The US has much looser regulations on chemicals in cosmetics compared to Europe, where chemicals are considered potentially harmful until proven otherwise and are banned if found to be harmful, while in the US, chemicals are considered not harmful until proven otherwise, making it difficult to regulate potentially harmful substances like parabens and phthalates.
30:44
The Collins-Feinstein bill would shift the responsibility of cosmetic safety from the individual user to the manufacturer, potentially impacting both big corporate giants and small businesses.
35:42
The idea behind makeup is that women are trying to hyper accentuate their naturally distinguishing features to show off their fitness for mating to men.
40:45
Using makeup at a young age can expose girls to potentially harmful chemicals and endocrine disruptors that can have a greater impact on their developing bodies, but ultimately it's a personal choice.
45:45
Makeup is a personal choice and some women choose to go without it, while others find themselves more attractive with it on, but there is a movement to challenge societal expectations and show one's true self without makeup.
50:39
Some cosmetics contain animal products, such as Landolin which is derived from sheep's wool, which may not be suitable for vegans.
Categories:
Society & Culture
