5 Ancient Egyptian Cosmetics

The allure of ancient Egypt captivates us endlessly. Modern society dedicates museums, literature, and films to exploring and honoring Egyptian culture and customs. From the fascination with King Tut to Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal of Cleopatra, our obsession is undeniable. This is largely due to the abundance of well-preserved relics they left behind, offering us a treasure trove to examine and appreciate.

A particularly intriguing aspect of ancient Egyptian culture is their use of cosmetics. Even in death, Egyptians valued makeup. Archaeologists often discover small clay containers of cosmetics in tombs, including those of ordinary individuals. Beauty was indeed significant to the Egyptians, but makeup also had practical uses. Some beauty practices protected them from environmental factors, such as repelling insects or shielding against the sun's harsh rays. Additionally, applying makeup often served as a ceremonial act to honor their deities.

What kinds of makeup and beauty products did ancient Egyptians prefer? How do they compare to today's cosmetics? Continue reading to uncover the answers.

5: Eye Paints

The iconic look of ancient Egyptians is undoubtedly their eye paint. They adorned their eyes with both black and green pigments. The black paint was derived from powdered galena, a crystalline mineral, known today as kohl. These dark lines not only enhanced their appearance but also shielded their eyes from the sun, much like modern athletes use black marks under their eyes for glare reduction.

The green pigment came from malachite, a mineral with an emerald hue. Surprisingly, researchers discovered that malachite powder had antibacterial properties, offering protection against eye infections, making it a practical choice for makeup [source: Filer].

To create these paints, Egyptians ground the minerals into powder on a palette and mixed them with a binding agent to ensure the color adhered to the skin. Based on findings in ancient tombs, it is believed they used ointments made from animal fat. The application was done either with a finger or a specialized tool, often a small stick made of bone or wood.

4: Perfumes

Given the abundance of natural fragrances in Egypt, such as the aromatic flowers along the Nile and imported oils and resins, it’s no surprise that the ancient Egyptians were prolific in creating perfumes.

They favored ingredients like frankincense, myrrh, cassia, and cinnamon. These were distilled with oils or fats to capture their essence. Through a technique known as enfleurage, they soaked flowers, resins, or roots in layers of fat, eventually producing fragrant creams or pomades. These were worn as cones on the head, which would slowly melt throughout the day, releasing aromatic oils that cascaded down the face and neck, perfuming the hair and skin.

Another method, called maceration, involved heating oil or fat to 149 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius). Flowers, herbs, or fruits were added to the heated mixture, which was then strained through a sieve. Once cooled, the mixture was molded into cones or balls, resembling the solid perfumes we use today.

These fragrant oils also served a practical purpose, shielding the skin from the harsh effects of the sun and sand.

3: Soaps

Beyond perfumes, ancient Egyptians also utilized soaps, believing that cleanliness was essential for purity and that unpleasant odors were unacceptable. Their soaps differed significantly from modern bars or liquid washes, often being a blend of ash or clay mixed with oil, sometimes infused with fragrances. This combination not only cleansed the body but also alleviated skin ailments and irritations.

The healing properties of these soaps stemmed from the frequent use of olive oil in their cleansing practices. Olive oil is rich in skin-nourishing benefits, providing hydration and preventing dryness—a crucial advantage in Egypt's arid climate. Additionally, olive oil contains polyphenols, which aid in repairing skin damaged by the sun and environmental stressors.

Wealthier Egyptians often had access to multiple washbasins and water jugs. They would mix sand with water and salt in these jugs to create a scrubbing mixture that effectively cleansed the body.

2: Body Oils

The harsh sun and sandy winds of ancient Egypt led to dry skin, burns, and infections, making skincare a vital part of daily life for its inhabitants.

Body oils were so essential that they were often included as part of workers' wages. Both men and women applied moisturizers to shield their skin from the dry environment. Honey was occasionally used for its hydrating properties and pleasant scent. Women also turned to oils to reduce stretch marks post-pregnancy, while men used specific oils to promote hair growth or prevent baldness—practices not unlike those of today.

While oils were a daily necessity, their value increased when infused with fragrances, turning them into luxury items. The most prized oils were those mixed with floral and aromatic ingredients. Egyptians even used these scented oils to anoint statues of their gods as a sign of reverence.

1: Henna

Henna, a natural dye still popular for body art and hair coloring, is derived from the dried leaves of the Lawsonia inermis shrub. While the leaves are green, they transform into a vibrant orange-red powder when dried and crushed. Mixed with water, this powder forms a paste that temporarily stains the skin or hair, lasting several weeks before gradually fading.

Traces of henna have been found on the fingernails of mummified pharaohs, indicating its use for both decoration and nail conditioning. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, henna possesses medicinal qualities. Egyptians believed it enhanced the health of hair and nails and brought good fortune. This tradition persists in many cultures, particularly in bridal henna rituals.

Both men and women in ancient Egypt used henna to tint their lips a rich red. Modern cosmetics companies continue to offer henna-based lip stains, highlighting the dye's natural and long-lasting properties.