During which period was makeup primarily limited to lips and cheeks?

During the Middle Ages, makeup use was largely limited to enhancing the lips and cheeks. This period, spanning from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century, was characterized by a more subdued approach to beauty, influenced by cultural and religious shifts. The emphasis on natural beauty made the use of cosmetics less pronounced compared to previous and later eras.

In contrast, other historical periods like Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome included the use of a broader range of cosmetics beyond just the lips and cheeks. For example, Ancient Egyptians favored eye makeup and often adorned their eyes with kohl, while Ancient Greeks and Romans used a variety of products for the entire face, including powders, pigments, and other cosmetic enhancements. This broader scope of beauty practices underscores why the Middle Ages stand out for its more restricted focus on makeup application primarily for the lips and cheeks.