Possibly, ancient Sumerian and Indus Valley men and women were the first to wear lipstick, around 5,000 years ago.
Early Lipstick Use
The earliest known use of lipstick dates back approximately 5,000 years to the ancient Sumerian and Indus Valley civilizations. These cultures weren’t using lipstick for the same cosmetic reasons we do today, instead they used crushed gemstones, applied mainly to the lips and around the eyes for decoration.
Early Examples:
- Sumerians: Utilized crushed gemstones to color their lips and decorate their faces.
- Indus Valley Civilization: Also employed similar techniques for lip enhancement, demonstrating a shared cultural practice.
Early History Table
| Civilization | Time Period | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumerians | ~5,000 years ago | Crushed gemstones | Decoration of lips and eyes |
| Indus Valley Civil. | ~5,000 years ago | Similar to Sumerians | Decoration of lips |
Therefore, both men and women from the Sumerian and Indus Valley civilizations are credited with being among the first to wear what we would recognize as a form of lipstick.
