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The History of Eyeshadow: Natural Origins & Modern Formulations

Eye shadow, as we know it today, is a synthetic product made from various pigments and other ingredients. It's not derived directly from plants or animals.

However, historically, people used natural materials for eye makeup:

* Plants:

* Oxide minerals: Some eye shadows use pigments from minerals like iron oxide (found in ochre) and manganese dioxide. These minerals naturally occur in rocks and soil.

* Plants: Ancient Egyptians used ground henna, kohl (from the soot of burnt lamps), and other plant-based materials to color their eyelids.

* Animals:

* Kohl: While not directly from an animal, kohl was traditionally made from the soot of burnt lamps, often fueled by animal fat.

* Beeswax: Some ancient eye shadows might have used beeswax as a binding agent.

So, while modern eye shadow is synthetic, its historical roots are firmly planted in both the plant and animal kingdoms.