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Lipstick. Mascara. Blush. The world spent roughly $18 billion dollars (US) in 2004 on cosmetics, with total consumption rising every year as society becomes increasingly obsessed with age defiance and rejuvenation. Continually searching for the fountain of youth, consumers gobble up many a pretty little package hoping to reclaim fading youth. Cosmetics entice teenagers and teens-to be with the promise of sophistication and allure.

Why women wear makeup - well, the reasons are as various as the women who use them.

Make-up has had its place in history. Ancient Egyptians believed make-up protected their health and so lined their almond eyes in Green Malachite or Galena, a dark grey ore of lead which was combined with other products from soot to lead to copper and ground into powder, becoming the ever popular Black Kohl, and a health risk. Japanese Geisha coated their faces with a white pasty substance, like a foundation, that more often thank not contained white lead, another health evil, as well as charcoal to draw in eyebrows. Renaissance ladies of the upper crust craved flawless paler than pale skin to symbolize their higher social class and ample wealth. So they rubbed on Arsenic and Lead, losing their hair and gaining neurological problems such as convulsions and delirium instead. Victorians, ever desiring to be thought of as "fragile flowers" embraced a sickly look, defining under-eye circles and accentuating pink cheeks. Tanned skin was considered a "working class" by product and until the 1920's, the elite guarded their porcelain skin and highlighted it's fragility until the 1920's when tanning became the rage. Several eras saw makeup as being strictly for the prostitute or actor, alternately condemned or applauded by Queens.

When Max Factor entered the scene around 1914, he changed the way cosmetics were viewed and used, even coining the term "makeup." Makeup was no longer just for the celebrities and movie stars, cosmetics were now available to women in every walk of life. He invented wand mascara, lip gloss, and concealer to name just a few. Women everywhere loved to use the products that favorite motion picture stars were also using. Companies use the same principle today and sign on models, actors, and sports stars to entice women to purchase their products. Not that we seem to need much urging.

But then why do we do it? Why do today's busy women wear makeup? Cosmetics no longer symbolize a life in the spotlight, such as a celebrity would enjoy. We don't believe that eye liner provides health benefits. Nor do we try to look ill and fragile with whiter than white skin via powders and potions. It appears that we share one key factor with women throughout history. Cosmetics make women feel "put together" and confident. Make up trends may come and go yet some things still remain the same. We wear makeup because, quite simply, it makes us feel GOOD. It hides flaws, defines favored features, and makes our outward appearance sparkle and shine with the appearance of good health and radiant skin. We feel pretty, glamorous, and luminescent. Our age obsessed society can't seem to stop in its never-ending quest for the ultimate cosmetic Fountain Of Youth.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Nunemaker.
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