did men wear makeup before women

In a world often defined by modern beauty standards, it’s easy to assume that makeup has always been a predominantly feminine domain. The image of a woman meticulously applying lipstick or eyeshadow is a common cultural touchstone. But what if we told you that this perception is relatively new, and that for much of human history, the answer to the question, did men wear makeup before women, is a resounding yes?

Prepare to embark on a fascinating journey through time, as we peel back the layers of history to uncover how men embraced cosmetics for millennia – long before women were widely associated with it. From ancient pharaohs to European aristocrats, men used makeup not just for beauty, but for spiritual protection, social status, and even as a symbol of power. This deep dive will challenge your assumptions and reveal a colorful past where gender lines in beauty were far more blurred than they are today.

Ancient Egypt: The Cradle of Cosmetics for All

Our quest begins in Ancient Egypt, a civilization renowned for its sophisticated culture and elaborate beauty rituals. Here, cosmetics were not a frivolous indulgence but an integral part of daily life, religion, and social hierarchy. And crucially, these practices were embraced by both men and women.

Kohl: More Than Just Eyeliner

Perhaps the most iconic Egyptian cosmetic was kohl, a dark pigment used to line the eyes. While often associated with queens like Nefertiti, pharaohs and noblemen wore kohl extensively. Its purpose extended far beyond mere aesthetics:

• Protection: Kohl was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the eyes from the intense glare of the sun, acting like an ancient pair of sunglasses.
• Hygiene and Health: Ancient Egyptians understood the importance of hygiene. Kohl, made from galena (lead sulfide) and other minerals, had mild antibacterial properties that could help prevent eye infections in a hot, dusty environment.
• Status: The more elaborate the eye makeup, the higher the individual’s social standing.
• Spirituality: Eyes were considered windows to the soul, and enhancing them was thought to facilitate communication with the gods.

Beyond kohl, men also used various skin oils, perfumes, and even colored stains for lips and cheeks, derived from natural pigments. The evidence from tombs and hieroglyphs overwhelmingly shows that did men wear makeup before women is a question answered definitively in the affirmative by the Egyptians.

Mesopotamia and Persia: Status, Spirituality, and Warfare

Moving eastward, the ancient empires of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and Persia (Iran) also saw men using cosmetics extensively, albeit with slightly different cultural nuances.

Babylonian Beards and Persian Power

In Mesopotamia, rulers and warriors like the Assyrians were known for their elaborate hairstyles and meticulously groomed, often dyed, beards. These were frequently adorned with gold dust or intricate braids, signaling wealth and power. Men also used kohl, similar to the Egyptians, to define their eyes. Clay tablets describe recipes for beauty concoctions, many intended for men.

The Persians, too, were masters of appearance. Kings and nobles used dark eyeliner, likely for both its protective and intimidating qualities. Henna was popular for coloring hair and beards, and skin balms were essential for moisturizing in the arid climate. Makeup, in these cultures, was often a visual declaration of one’s elite status and formidable presence. For those still pondering, did men wear makeup before women, these historical examples continue to solidify the trend.

Ancient Greece and Rome: From Subtle to Scandalous

As we travel to classical antiquity, the use of makeup by men becomes a more complex story, often tied to social class and shifting morality.

Greek Actors and Roman Excess

• Greece: While general societal norms frowned upon excessive male ornamentation, actors in ancient Greek theater famously wore heavy makeup (face paint, wigs) to portray various characters, including women and gods. Outside the stage, some men, particularly those of lower social standing or involved in certain professions, might have used cosmetics. However, for respectable citizens, a “natural” look was preferred.
• Rome: Early Roman Republic ideals promoted masculinity and austerity, making overt male makeup largely unacceptable for citizens. However, by the Roman Empire, especially during times of decadence, some emperors and aristocratic men indulged in various cosmetics. Emperor Nero, for example, was known for his extensive beauty regimen. Men used perfumes, hair dyes, and even polishes for their nails. Yet, effeminate display could also be a source of public ridicule, illustrating a growing tension around male cosmetic use.

Despite these societal tensions, the historical record shows that some Roman men actively engaged in beauty practices, suggesting that even as norms shifted, the practice didn’t entirely vanish. So, did men wear makeup before women? Yes, but with varying degrees of social acceptance depending on the era and specific culture.

The Elizabethan Era and European Courts: High Society’s Allure

Fast-forward to European history, and we find male makeup making a grand resurgence, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Powdered Faces and Rosy Cheeks

In the Elizabethan era (16th century), pale skin was highly coveted by both sexes as a sign of wealth and nobility – it meant you didn’t work outdoors. Men would apply white lead paint (a dangerous practice) to achieve this look, often paired with rouged cheeks and lips to denote vitality. Elaborate wigs, often powdered, completed the aristocratic ensemble.

This trend escalated through the 17th and 18th centuries, notably during the reign of King Louis XIV of France, who epitomized opulent male fashion and beauty. Men in European courts:

• Wore face powder to achieve a desired pallor.
• Applied “beauty spots” (mouches) made of silk or velvet to cover blemishes or highlight features.
• Used rouge on cheeks and lips.
• Donned powdered wigs, often scented and dyed.

At this point in history, it was undeniably common to see men with significant amounts of makeup, often more than women. The question, did men wear makeup before women, has evolved into “did men wear *more* makeup than women” in certain historical contexts.

The Great Renunciation and Modern Revival

The 19th century brought about a dramatic shift known as “The Great Male Renunciation.” Influenced by the Industrial Revolution, the rise of the middle class, and new ideals of masculinity, elaborate male adornment, including makeup, began to be viewed as effeminate and unmanly. Men’s fashion became more subdued, focusing on dark suits and a “natural” appearance, while women’s fashion and beauty rituals became more elaborate.

Makeup Becomes Gendered

This period cemented the association of makeup almost exclusively with women, or with performers and individuals outside societal norms. The idea that makeup was “feminine” became deeply ingrained in Western culture, pushing male cosmetic use into the shadows for nearly two centuries.

However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a gradual resurgence in men’s interest in grooming and, more recently, subtle cosmetics. The rise of “manscaping,” male skincare, and products like tinted moisturizers, concealers, and brow gels for men indicates a slow but steady cultural shift. While not as overt as the Elizabethan era, it challenges the rigid gender binary that dominated for so long.

Why the Shift? Cultural Perceptions and Gender Norms

The journey through history clearly shows that the answer to did men wear makeup before women is a resounding yes. But why did this change so dramatically, leading to the gendered perceptions we hold today?

Several factors contributed to this “Great Renunciation” and the subsequent gendering of makeup:

• Industrial Revolution and Capitalism: The rise of the capitalist class valued practicality, hard work, and austerity. Ostentatious displays of wealth through elaborate clothing and makeup became associated with an unproductive aristocracy, contrasting with the new ideal of the hardworking, “serious” businessman.
• Victorian Ideals: The Victorian era promoted strict gender roles. Men were expected to be rational, strong, and natural, while women were associated with beauty, emotion, and domesticity. Makeup, therefore, became a feminine adornment.
• Moral and Religious Influence: Some religious movements viewed excessive ornamentation, for both sexes but particularly for men, as a sign of vanity and sin.
• Association with Marginalized Groups: As makeup fell out of favor for mainstream men, it became associated with actors, prostitutes, and subcultures, further stigmatizing its use for “respectable” men.

These intertwined cultural, economic, and moral shifts collectively pushed male makeup into obscurity for centuries, creating the illusion that it had always been a female practice.

Conclusion: Redefining Beauty’s Past and Future

Our historical exploration leaves no doubt: did men wear makeup before women? Absolutely. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs protecting their eyes with kohl to European kings signaling their status with powdered faces, men were pioneers and prominent users of cosmetics for thousands of years. The notion that makeup is inherently feminine is a relatively recent construct, solidified only in the last two centuries.

Understanding this rich history challenges our modern stereotypes and invites us to look at beauty, self-expression, and gender with a more open mind. As societal norms continue to evolve, and as the men’s grooming industry expands, perhaps we are witnessing a return to a more inclusive understanding of cosmetics – one that acknowledges its diverse past and embraces a future where beauty truly knows no gender. The next time you consider makeup, remember its multifaceted history, and how the answer to did men wear makeup before women is a vibrant tale of human adornment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did men wear makeup before women, historically speaking?

Yes, absolutely. Throughout various ancient civilizations, men were often the primary users of cosmetics, predating widespread female usage in many cultures. This practice was common for thousands of years before makeup became predominantly associated with women.

When did men begin to wear makeup in history?

Men began wearing makeup as far back as ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE, and possibly even earlier in prehistoric tribal societies. They used cosmetics for religious rituals, status symbols, and protection from the elements, often applying kohl to their eyes.

Why did men wear makeup in ancient times?

Ancient men wore makeup for diverse reasons, including religious symbolism, demonstrating social status, and even for health purposes like protecting their skin from the sun. In some cultures, it was also believed to ward off evil spirits or signify military prowess.

What types of makeup did men use historically?

Historically, men used a variety of cosmetics. This included kohl for darkening eyes and outlining them, red ochre for coloring lips and cheeks, and various plant-based dyes to color hair or skin. They also used scented oils and balms to moisturize and perfume their bodies.

Was it common for men to wear makeup in most ancient cultures?

While not universal, the practice of men wearing makeup was quite widespread across many significant ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome, Greece, and various Asian cultures. The specific reasons and forms of makeup varied greatly by region and era, but it was often a sign of power or social standing.

When did makeup become primarily associated with women in Western societies?

The association of makeup primarily with women largely solidified in Western societies around the 18th and 19th centuries. This shift occurred after periods when makeup was seen as effeminate, artificial, or associated with actors and prostitutes, leading to a general decline in its acceptance for men.