Final answer:
Applying lighter cosmetics to facial features serves to highlight and accentuate those areas, drawing attention and adding dimension. Historical preferences, such as those in ancient Rome and Elizabethan England, also show the desire for a brighter complexion using makeup.
Step-by-step explanation:
The application of a lighter cosmetic to a facial feature generally serves to highlight and draw attention to that area, creating a visual contrast that can enhance or accentuate the feature.
For example, using a lighter shade of eye shadow on the eyelids can make the eyes appear larger and more vibrant, making them stand out more significantly. Similarly, applying a lighter powder or concealer to areas such as the brow bone, bridge of the nose, or cheekbones can add dimension and bring forth these features.
The history of cosmetics, such as in ancient Rome, indicates that achieving a bright and unblemished complexion was often the goal of using makeup, as seen in the works of authors like Ovid and Pliny.
Additionally, the societal preferences for pale skin, as seen during the era of Queen Elizabeth I, also reflect the use of cosmetics to lighten skin, which could indicate beauty and social status.