Fashions in Makeup: From Ancient to Modern Times

by Richard Corson

A unique book in its field and a comprehensive history of cosmetics In this highly praised volume, Richard Corson chronicles the pursuit of beauty from Ancient Egypt to the present day. Concentrating mainly on makeup traditions of the Western world, with some examples from other countries included for comparison, Corson describes the cosmetics with which men and women have decorated their faces, how they have applied them, and what they looked...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0720611954
• ISBN13: 9780720611953
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Peter Owen Publishers
• Length: 628 Pages
• Weight: 3.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 7.8" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

Very informative!

This book was very informative as I had a dissertation about The History of Make Up. Pictures are all in black and white, but if it information you want - it is filled with it.

Fascinating, detailed, very readable!

I've checked out the 1972 version of this book so things may have changed between volumes--my only complaint would be that there are no color photographs, and make-up is all about color! After reading many books on the topic of historical make-up, costume and hair styles, this is the most comprehensive coverage of the topic. It covers every culture of the world for the past 5000 years, everything from the materials cosmetics jars and makeup were made of in ancient Egypt to today's trends. What you may find yourself marveling about is how little things have really changed! Despite its incredible detail, Corson's writing style is vivid but scholarly--it's such a relief to have a fun topic so thoroughly covered in an engaging way. Even for people not in the industries involved, it's a great read.

a fine source of information for people in the industry

I found this book the best source of information. It covers all the products,trends, uses of products and solutions and even describes where the influences of each period come from. It does not have a 'how-to recreate...' section or photographs, but this is not what u want anyway. It helped me in every way when I had to research a period for a job or my assessments. I think it is a must have for every person involved with make-up, beauty etc.