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Mascara is a cosmetic product commonly used to enhance the eyelashes. It can darken, thicken, lengthen and define lashes. Usually, in one of three forms – liquid, powder, or cream – modern mascara have different formulas; however, most of them contain the same basic components of pigments, oils, waxes, and preservatives. The most common form of mascara is liquid in a tube.

Collins’ Dictionary of English defines mascara as “a cosmetic substance for darkening, lengthening, curling, dyeing and thickening lashes, applied with a brush or rod.” The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) adds that mascara is also occasionally used on the eyebrows as well.

OED also refers to Mascaro from works published in the late 15th century. In 1886, the Peck & Snyder catalog advertised: In 1886, the Peck & Snyder Catalogue advertises, “Mascaro or Water Cosmetique, for darkening the eyebrow and mustaches without greasing them and making them prominent.” In 1890, the Century Dictionary defined mascara as “a type of paint used by actors on their eyebrows and eyelashes.” And in 1894, N. Lynn advises in Lynn’s Practical Hints for Making-up, “to darken eyelashes, paint with mascara, or black paint, with a small brush.”

The source of the word “mascara” is unclear. The Spanish word máscara means “mask” or ‘stain’ and the Italian word Maschera, meaning “mask,” is a possible origin. A related Catalan word describes soot or a black smear, the Portuguese word máscara means “mask”, and mascara means dark smut or spot. There is even strong support for a possible source from the Arabic word maskharah or ‘buffoon.’ The Hebrew word משקרות (MaSQROTh) for female eyes occurs at Isaiah 3:16.

Latin treatises sometimes used the word mascara when referring to witches. Aesthetic ornament is a universal cultural heritage, and mascara can be registered in ancient Egypt. Records circa 4000 BC refers to a substance called kohl, which is used to darken lashes, eyelids, and eyebrows. Kohl was used to disguising the eyes. It was believed to protect evil spirits and protect the soul from both men and women. Often composed of galena, malachite, and charcoal or soot, crocodile feces; honey; and water is added to keep the kohl from moving. Due to the influence of Egypt, stake use continued to exist in the following Babylonian, Greek, and Roman empires. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the kohl ceased to be used on the European continent, where it was considered only a cosmetic product; on the contrary, it is still widely used in the Middle East for religious purposes.

During the Victorian era, public opinion was radically focused on promoting cosmetics, and women were known to spend most of their days busy with beauty regimes. Great efforts have been made to create the illusion of long, dark eyelashes. In an effort to do this, Victorian women made a type of mascara in their own homes.

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