When Masculinity Wore Mascara and Heels
What if I told you that lipstick and stilettos were once symbols of masculinity and power? Before cosmetics and high heels became synonymous with femininity, they were proudly worn by warriors, kings, and aristocrats. History holds a fascinating—and often forgotten—story about how beauty standards evolved. This article explores that journey.
Makeup in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt (circa 3000 BCE), both men and women adorned their eyes with kohl to create striking cat-eye effects. Far from vanity, this was a spiritual and medicinal practice. Eye makeup was believed to protect against evil spirits and ward off infections. Pharaohs, warriors, and scribes all wore cosmetics as a sign of reverence, power, and connection to the gods.
Birth of the Heel - Persia Soldiers
Fast forward to the 10th century in Persia. Soldiers on horseback needed better stability in their stirrups, leading to the invention of the heel—not for fashion, but for function. These heels were strictly masculine and eventually spread to Europe via trade routes. As Persian culture influenced the West, heels became associated with strength, mobility, and dominance.
17th Century - Fashion in Men
In 17th-century Europe, fashion was a political tool—and no one wielded it more flamboyantly than King Louis XIV of France. Famous for his crimson-heeled shoes and towering wigs, Louis set the tone for aristocratic men across Europe. Makeup, perfume, high heels, and powdered wigs were not merely aesthetic choices—they were powerful symbols of male privilege, status, and social superiority. A pale, powdered face signaled that you didn’t labor outdoors, serving as a visible cue of wealth and leisure.
During this period, women also began adopting high heels, initially as a way to mirror the elite male style.
18th Century - Masculine Turn
The Enlightenment ushered in a dramatic shift in ideals. Rationality, restraint, and seriousness became the virtues of the day. Men were expected to appear practical and stoic—less flamboyant and more “sensible.” Cosmetics and decorative clothing slowly fell out of favor among men and were increasingly pushed onto women, who were now viewed as the "emotional" and "aesthetic" gender. By the early 1800s, high heels and heavy makeup were almost exclusively associated with femininity.
19th century and beyond
By the Victorian era, the divide was complete. Men wore sober suits; women wore corsets, lipstick, and heels. The 20th century further cemented this divide through mass media and advertising. The beauty industry, now a billion-dollar empire, focused almost entirely on women—redefining femininity around appearance and consumerism. Today, many still see makeup and high heels as inherently feminine. But the history tells a different story—one where fashion and gender norms have always been fluid, political, and ever-changing. When we peel back the assumptions, we begin to see that style, like identity, is a social script we can choose to rewrite.
What modern beauty standards might future generations find arbitrary, or even absurd 😂?
