The Perfect Set to Love One’s Image in the Mirror

It’s 7 a.m., the shrill of the alarm clock has rung, jolting you out of a deep night’s sleep. The sun’s rays peek through the curtain, illuminating the space with a bright and joyful light. Pulling yourself from bed, the next step is the bathroom, it’s the musty first eye contact with yourself. Every day, gestures follow almost mechanically. And then, a thought arises. Discover the beauty secret that has transformed faces for decades. Find out more in The Perfect Set to Love One’s Image in the Mirror

What am I going to wear today? And what kind of makeup will go with it? Is it a day for big eyes or a moment for the cheeks? Have you ever found yourself in front of the mirror, putting makeup on, carefully applying each product, from foundation to blush, then bronzer, and suddenly wondering where this contouring you are creating comes from? 

We may not think about the history of makeup as we go through the motions of applying it every day, but it does indeed have a rich and interesting past. Its history dates as far back as prehistoric times, where it was used for ritual purposes.

Did you know that in ancient Egypt, makeup was not just a matter of aesthetics? It served both practical and symbolic functions. Cleopatra herself famously used kohl to line her eyes to offer protection and to ward off evil spirits.

As centuries went by, these ritualistic and protective processes gradually gave way to more codified expressions of beauty, especially within the upper classes.

At the court of France, especially during the reign of Louis XIV, appearance was closely linked to authority. The etiquette of the time required both men and women to have as pale a complexion as possible, enhanced by rouge blush, which symbolised aristocracy and allure. It was only in the 17th century that makeup took on a new role, becoming a tool of social distinction and power.

At that time, pale skin was a subtle (or not so subtle ) way of projecting outwardly that you were rich, as you didn’t have a suntan from working in the fields.

Then, the makeup came out of the palaces to make its entrance on stage and on the screen. The advent of black-and-white cinema transformed it yet again, making makeup a technical necessity.

Contouring emerged as a technique that altered the perception of the face by employing contrasts of different shades placed strategically. In this context, the colour choice was surprising: red, orange, and brown appeared black on camera, while blue, pink, yellow, and purple appeared white. Contouring, basically, sculpting in cheekbones and thinning noses, became an essential technique, transitioning from backstage artistry to everyday makeup routines.

And this idea of contouring and shaping was brought right back into fashion a few years back, but it is definitely here to stay. Benefit’s new Hoola Wave bronzer, a creamier take on the original iconic Hoola powder, allows for more versatile application while offering the same sun-kissed finish.

This bronzer is available in five shades: Light, Original, Medium, Medium Deep, and Deep. Its creamy, lightweight texture is suitable for a variety of skin tones. Infused with beneficial ingredients such as Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil, it is also waterproof and transfer-resistant.

Or why try Rodial’s Blush Drops in 3 shades: Frosted Pink, Sunset Kiss, and Apricot Sorbet, as they will awaken the natural beauty of the skin and lips with a silky-smooth, buildable, and long-lasting texture.

And the final touch to set your makeup for up to 16 hours and ensure perfect blending, Huda Beauty‘s Setting Spray Easy Bake is enriched with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and rice starch, free from alcohol and fragrance.

Huda herself recommends shaking the bottle to mix the formula, then spraying 4 times from 8-10 inches from the face. Available in two sizes, this spray is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. A product that even the kings of France would have loved to try.

Finally, today’s makeup has evolved far beyond the powdery faces of the past. It is more subtle, more natural, sometimes almost invisible. But basically, its role remains the same: reveal, transform, affirm.

So the next time you grab your brush, you will have this wonderful reminder: you don’t put on makeup just to make yourself beautiful. You are contributing to a centuries-old story. One that once graced queens and icons, and still carries that quiet power to make you feel, in your own way, as radiant as Cleopatra.

Benefit’s Hoola Wave Bronzer is available at www.benefitcosmetics.com

Rodial’s Blush Drops are available at www.rodial.com

Huda Beauty’s Setting Spray Easy Bake is available at www.hudabeauty.com

If you enjoyed reading The Perfect Set to Love One’s Image in the Mirror, then why not try Lipstick; Your Most Beautiful Ally

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