Makeup

Makeup has certainly evolved a lot since the concoctions of lead ore and copper the ancient Egyptians used to apply to their skin. We tend to think of it as a modern phenomenon, but we humans have been using it for centuries.

Archaeologists found evidence of makeup in an Egyptian tomb in Karnak. Believed to be over 3000 years old, it's amazing that the clay pots of black eye paint and lip-staining pigments had survived.

Beauty At Any Price

Every type of ingredient imaginable has been used over time, from berries to stain our lips to leeches, to create a pale complexion. 'Beauty at any price' seems a good description, as women risked their lives using arsenic, mercury, and other deadly toxins.

Thankfully, makeup is a lot safer these days. And there are experts to help you choose and use products, or even apply it for you. We're pretty keen on makeup at Bookwell and always hire professional help when getting made up for a special event.

Cosmetics have been used by just about every civilisation, as body adornment or to express certain rituals or spiritual beliefs. In the Middle East, it was considered by some to be a form of medicine.

Makeup For Women - And Men

In Europe in the Middle Ages, however, the church considered wearing makeup to be a sin. Yet more and more women used powders and pastes to lighten their skin, as that was a sign of class.

The cosmetic industry today is a multi-billion dollar business, and there are very strict regulations in place concerning makeup ingredients and manufacture. There are an amazing range of products, too, for both women and men.

From 4000BC until the mid-1800s, many men used makeup. Now gentlemen are once again realising that products such as concealer and foundation can give them a healthy, well groomed appearance.

Finding Your Perfect Match

Today, we can buy makeup products from just about anywhere, including pharmacies, supermarkets, and the internet. It's a good idea, though, to understand what you can and cannot use. That's where professional advice comes in.

Very few of us have perfect skin. Most of suffer from dry skin, oily skin, breakouts, redness, and other irritating conditions. Using the wrong products can make the problem far worse. Take acne, for example.

The temptation is to trowel on the makeup to cover those horrible pimples! But what you use can make a big difference. Most oil-based products should be avoided if you have acne. Oily concealers and foundation will just clog up your pores and make matters worse.

Book A Skin Assessment

If you have mature skin, however, you need extra moisture and key anti-ageing ingredients. So what do you choose? That's where the experts come in. Here on Bookwell, you will find fantastic skincare clinics where professional therapists can assess your skin and make recommendations.

They can advise you on cleansing routines and products, the best makeup brands for your complexion, and treatments to improve your skin. If you want to look your best, it is certainly worth investing some time and money in getting the best advice.

We also list some amazing professional makeup artists. Whether you are planning your wedding, or want to look stunning for a special event, professional makeup can make a huge difference.

Reveal The Real You

Of course, it's easy enough to slap on a bit of lippy and mascara before you rush off to work, or out to dinner. A professional makeup artist, on the other hand, knows a trick or three! They will also study your skin tone and type, face shape, hair colouring and more, to create your perfect look.

You only have to look at some of the 'before' and 'after' makeup photographs to see what a difference it can make.

If that's something you'd like to experience, why not browse through our skincare salons and makeup professionals now, and take the first step towards a new you!