In ancient Egypt, possibly as early as 4000 BC. C., the Egyptians used kohl in the eyelashes, the eyebrows and to outline the eyes. That is the oldest form of mascara and eyeliner. Charcoal or soot with malachite and lead sulfite was probably used to make kohl.
Mascara as we know it originated in 1913, by the chemist who founded Maybelline. Back then, it was a mixture of charcoal powder and Vaseline.
These days, many women wouldn’t leave the house without mascara. You can do without foundation, blush, or even lipstick, but if your lashes are pale, you need mascara. For many women, pale or non-nude lashes feel bare without mascara.
Modern mascara primarily uses charcoal for the black pigment in mascara, while iron oxide is used for the brown pigments. The use of coal and tar pigments in eye makeup is prohibited in the United States. Most mascara formulations today are made from oil, water, and waxes, such as beeswax, carnauba wax, or paraffin. In addition to the basic ones, other ingredients are added to the mascara formula for different effects. For example, the fibers are added to mascara. Then there are waterproof mascaras, those that make your lashes look fuller or add intensity to your lashes. It is the formulation and brush of the mascara that gives the desired effect.
