17 Monthly January 2013 | Page 10

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.