Artifact of Beauty sketches and Written Notes

Lipstick

Snapshots of the lipstick

Function:

-Colouring lip.

-Face decoration.

-Protection for delicate lip skin.

 

Fabrication: 

Lipstick is invented 5000 years ago and originally it is made from crushed gemstones and bugs to create the red lip color. It has become a popular face decoration around 3000BC – 1500BC. Moreover, Chinese made lipstick from beeswax to also function as a lip balm to protect lip skin. Shimmery lipstick was made from fish scales.

Furthermore, in the 19th and 20th century, dark red lipstick represents independence and ‘cupid bow’ was invented as a trend by the actress called Clara Bow. Red lipstick also represented womanhood for teenagers. Others wore to events and important ceremonies for makeup. Now, lipstick is very casual and it is a normal makeup item to wear in daily life.   

Moreover, the basic materials for lipstick now are wax, oil, antioxidant, pigments and enrollment. For matte lipstick it includes silica and shimmery lipstick is made from mica.  There are varies lip color shades, so consumers have more options.

 

Form:  

Lipsticks are contained in a small container with a cap. The shape of the container is usually tubular and around 10mm diameter and 50mm in length. The pigment itself is put into the baton and can be twisted out. Most of the lipstick containers are made out of metal and plastic; designs and colors of the packaging may vary.

(Research references:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipstick

http://www.lipstickhistory.com/

http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Lipstick.htm)

 

Q: What did you find out about your artifact that was the most surprising?

A: I find the most surprising fact is that lipstick in the past was made from made 100% from natural ingredients, for example, bugs, gemstones, and fish scales. Although natural ingredients are good, it also scares me by thinking about crushing bugs and putting the pigment of the bugs on your own lip.

Q: If I were to re-make or produce this artifact, this is what I would change about it based on my research:

A: Base on research, lipstick have always been small and either round or in a stick form. if I would change or remake lipstick, I want to try different shapes and different materials, such as triangle, wiggly or using soft materials for the main packaging. I think it will be fun to see different fun designs for lipstick and designs that catches people’s eyes.