Beauty and Cosmetics in
Ancient Egypt
out of wood, bronze, obsidian, or glass.
The
Egyptians are, of course,
well known for their opulent eye
makeup, which was applied from
the eyebrow to the base of the
nose. What many do not know,
however, is that the eye makeup
also served a practical purpose;
the ingredients of the makeup
had antibacterial qualities and
helped to deter flies. Additionally, the colors were applied to
serve as a protection against
the hot Egyptian sun.
The most popular makeup colors
at the time were green, black,
and indigo
blue. Blacks were
made from
kohl, which is composed principally of a sulfide of lead
called galena, and was sometimes deepened further in color
by using soot. Greens were made
from what is now known as the
gemstone malachite, an oxide of
copper, while blues were made
from the gemstone called lapis
lazuli. Everything was ground
and then mixed with a gum or
water to make a paste that was
easy to apply with tools made
Eye makeup, however, wasn’t
all the Egyptians used. Many
women lightened the color of
their skin or covered flaws
with face powders made from
chalk or white lead. They
also rouged their cheeks and
lips with red ochres and
iron oxides. Many tinted
their nails with sheep fat
and blood or henna.