Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt
Ezz Al-Turkey
As popular as makeup and cosmetics are today, it’s not a new phenomenon. Ancient Egyptians had great taste in clothing and cosmetics. They used to apply makeup in the most elegant ways you could imagine, and they had an incredible selection of cosmetics. For Egyptians, particularly in antiquity, one's appearance and clothes were very important. Everything, from makeup to attire, had to be as exquisite and lovely as possible.
An Egyptian vanity would have had oils, lotions composed of solid fats, makeup for the face and eyes, and makeup. Makeup was used for defense as much as looks in ancient Egypt. In the past, both sexes used different cosmetics on their skin, rubbing them in to shield it from the harsh sun and cold weather. Depending on your social status, they had many classes and categories of cosmetics that were utilized for various uses.
For example, Kohl, or black or green eye makeup, was used to accentuate the eyes, through a mixture of carbon, lead sulfide, and manganese oxide. Since kohl and other eye cosmetics provide defense against a variety of ailments, they were also utilized medicinally. Not only that, but Kohl also held religious significance as it was believed to have been evoked from the eye of Horus. They also used Henna, which is still a very popular tradition in our culture today. Much like now, they used Henna to enhance the beauty and appearance of their hair. They also used it to create hand tattoos and to dye their fingernails bright colors like orange and yellow.
In ancient Egypt, keeping one's body clean was considered socially acceptable. Since looking disheveled was frowned upon in every Egyptian social group, it was not exclusive to the higher class. Richer Egyptians had access to private baths and showers, while the poorer classes bathed in rivers or canals. Fragrant natron soap was a common hygiene item.
Ancient Egyptians demonstrated their skill in applying makeup to everything from their hair to their nails, which added to the beauty and allure of their time. Egyptians have always taken great interest in their beauty and appearance, which is seen in how they looked in antiquity.