But make-up is an old, old art that has been transforming itself through the ages, yet it has always lingered on the same features, lovingly recreating a skin-colour there or a cupid’s bow elsewhere. Beads from necklaces and hairpins and bottles that once heldperfumes have been recovered — make-up was, and is, far from a frivolous art. But many male writers of the time disapproved of make-up as a trick to deceive their innocent hearts. Eye make-up — kohl was used, or sometimes lampblack, as in kajal — was associated with sexual manipulation; the trick was to have the ‘no make-up made-up’ look. ADVERTISEMENTFor ancient Indians, dressing up — or down — was a celebrated art, and not just for the women either.

Source: The Telegraph October 22, 2023 08:39 UTC