Most of us use it on a daily basis, but in fact, we do not know much about it. Who has invented an eyelash mascara? What’s the story behind this world-famous and game-changing cosmetic? Discover the most interesting facts about mascaras. See for yourself whether you know the expiration date of the mascara.
1. There is no consensus as to who invented the mascara.
The most common information is that the prototype of today’s mascara was the invention of T. L. Williams who mixed Vaseline with coal dust to help his sister Maybel fall in love with an unfaithful fiancé. This story took place in 1913, and already two years later, the Maybelline company was founded, whose name originated from the combination of the name Maybel and Vaseline. We do not really know what the truth is.
Few people know that the first mascara was invented almost 100 years earlier by Eugene Rimmel. Until today, in many languages, for example, French and Portuguese, the word “rimmel” simply means mascara. Nevertheless, the one who brought mascaras to vouge (invented in 1830 by Rimmel), was the previously mentioned Williams. Initially, he named it Lash-Brow-ine, only later changed its name to Maybelline.
2. Why do women tend to open up their mouth when applying mascara?
Many women reflexively open their mouth while applying mascara to their eyelashes. Probably none of you has ever even thought about why we’re doing it. However, the solution to this puzzle is very simple – when we have our mouth open, it’s easier to stop blinking!
3. Each new mascara is some kind of a revolution.
It might seem that a mascara is a product hard to innovate – it’s task is to coat the lashes well. However, it turns out that each change of the cosmetic is a small revolution in the makeup world.
The first attempts at creating a cosmetic for darkening and enhancing the eyelashes took place in ancient Egypt by combining khol, honey and crocodile droppings. We owe this invention to the fact that someone has even begun trying to create a mascara. The next revolution, after launching the Maybelline mascara, was the creation of a waterproof mascara in 1938. Although it initially consisted of up to 50% flammable turpentine, it turned out to be a bestseller. Only 20 years later, Revlon introduced mascara with a brush! All earlier versions took the form of a pomade. The next revolutionary step was the introduction of the first coloured mascara.
Today, every new improved formula or changed form of the applicator is a small revolution, which is supposed to bring us closer to easy, long-lasting and perfect makeup.
4. How long does the mascara remain fresh?
Of all products available on the cosmetic market (not including handmade products without the content of preservatives), it is the mascara that has the shortest shelf life. It is recommended to replace it every 3-6 months because after this time it loses its properties, and too many dangerous bacteria accumulate inside the packaging.
