Throughout history, women (and men) have applied make-up to enhance, alter, conceal and even to disguise their appearance. Also, to a greater or lesser degree over time, cosmetics have been used as a visible and tangible marker of social status, gender, wealth, health and well being. A closer look at the world of makeup gives us not only a mirror reflecting day to day living in the past, but also an indicator of the economic and political climate of a given period in history. Susan Stewart guides us through the bewildering, fascinating and complex world of cosmetics, from the ancient world to the present day. Anyone who has ever wondered how the Romans used algae to colour their faces and urine to whiten their teeth, how Radium came to be a popular 1930s beauty trend or how make-up survived the war will enjoy this colourful journey through the human obsession with improving how we look.