Mascara Was Invented by Accident in the 19th Century

https://www.ihadnoclue.com/article/982246819821486081

Mascara, now a fundamental beauty product, originated from an accidental discovery rather than deliberate innovation. In the late 19th century, London chemist Eugene Rimmel created a mixture of petroleum jelly and coal dust while working on personal hygiene products. When his sister complained about her thin eyelashes around 1860, Rimmel applied this black paste to them, unexpectedly creating a product that made her lashes appear thicker and more pronounced. This serendipitous invention quickly gained popularity across social classes, eventually becoming known as "mascara." The product transcended geographical boundaries to become a universal beauty essential, influencing aesthetic preferences globally. Rimmel's accidental discovery demonstrates how innovation often stems from unexpected sources, transforming a simple act of sibling care into a revolutionary beauty product that continues to evolve while remaining a symbol of beauty's timeless appeal.