Rouge also called blush or blusher, is a cosmetic typically
used by women to redden the cheeks so as to provide a more youthful appearance,
and to emphasize the cheekbones. Historically, rouge was used as early as in
ancient Egypt. It was also applied on the lips, the way lipstick would be used
today. In some times and places, both men and women wore rouge, such as during
the Regency period in England.
In Britain's Victorian Age, when wearing makeup was
associated with low morals, ladies resorted to pinching their cheeks to make
them appear red instead. Various substances have been used as rouge. In ancient
Greece for example, crushed mulberries were favoured, while red beet juice,
crushed strawberries and red amaranth have also variously been used.
