A latest discovery has provided scientists with the first convincing proof that Neanderthals wore "body paint" 50,000 years ago.

The report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) claims that Neanderthals used the shells containing pigment residues as their make-up containers.

The shells were dug and found at two archaeological sites in the Murcia province of southern Spain.

The study was led by professor Joao Zilhao, the archaeologist from Bristol University in the UK, who explained that the shells were examined by his team and it found that the shells were used as containers to mix and store pigments.

Prior to this discovery of black sticks, the pigment manganese, which may have been used as body paint by Neanderthals, was found during a similar discovery founding Africa.

Zilhao explained, "This is the first secure evidence for their use of cosmetics. The use of these complex recipes is new. It's more than body painting."

Lumps of yellow pigment were also discovered by the scientists, which they think was most probably used as foundation.

Apart from this they also came across red powder mixed up with flecks of a reflective brilliant black mineral.

There is also a possibility that Neanderthals wore some of these sculpted, brightly colored shells as jewellery.