Make up is a very ancient art. It is to be seen in the rock drawings of the primitive people of France, on early Chinese porcelain, Indian metal work, Egyptian wall paintings and Italian mosaics. They all show that men as well as woman made use of make up. The kohl used by the Egyptian and the rouge used by the roman women are used in a similar way today.

Make up is very much an art that can be learnt. In shops there are such an array of cosmetics that the untrained person can become quiet confused.

Make up should always look natural, though sometimes ‘fashion’ may say that harsher colours should be used to accentuate certain features. Make up can be used to emphasise the good points or to hide weaker areas of the face. A light tone or highlighter will emphasise an area and a darker tone will shade it. If some one has a heavy jaw line, a darker foundation or even blusher blended over it will act as a camouflage.

Many people believe that one can hide poor skin with heavy make up. This is not so. A too heavy make up looks unnatural and shows up a blemished skin. The use of con-sealer is more effective.