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By Haywood Hunter


Women and men have used mineral eyeshadow and other forms of makeup to enhance their features, the eyes in particular, and to augment their appearance for millennia. The Book of Ezekiel mentions face painting in the Old Testament and there is evidence from Egyptian burials dating back as early as 10,000 years BC. Used on the upper lid, makeup provides both color and depth.

The Egyptians, and women today, used a black substance called kohl to enhance their eyes, improve vision, prevent infection and reduce glare. Kohl is made from burnt almonds and minerals such as antimony, copper and malachite, ochre and ash.

In 700 and 800 years BC, the Greeks used a material they called 'fucus', made up of crushed malachite and lapis luzuli to produce vivid shades of greens and blues. This and other beautifying materials formed a vital segment of the Green economy.

With the expansion of the Roman Empire, the Romans eventually encountered the Iranian population. At that time, the Iranians used kohl in the same way as did the Egyptians, to fend off the evil eye. The irreverent Romans adapted the Egyptian oils that were used for sacred ceremonies and adapted them for sexual rituals. With time, the Romans discovered medicinal uses for the oils.

Bronze Age India left evidence that kohl was employed by people of all ages, including young infants, to repel not only the evil eye, but bacteria and glare as well. This practice spread to Morocco and all over Africa. The substance they used then was derived from antimony and lead. History does not record how many people went blind or died from the poisonous heavy metals, but today's kohl is completely safe.

Mineral eyeshadow today comes in a dizzying array of different shades. If there is a colored mineral, it can be crushed, made into powder and pressed into packaging for cosmetic use. The powder may be used as it comes, dry, or moistened with sterile water to produce more vibrant shades.




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