Ancient Egyptian Cosmetics

Ancient Egyptian Cosmetics: Entombed

Cleopatra, the commanding Queen of the Nile, charmed men and bewildered passerby’s with her mesmerizing beauty. It would be unfair to say that Cleopatra was not a natural beauty, but it known that she did adorn herself with ancient Egyptian cosmetics to enhance and compliment her striking features.

Organic Minerals

Unlike the modern world, Egyptians wore makeup for protection as well as adornment. Men and women both wore either black or white facial makeup to protect their skin from the intense sun. Although many Egyptians relied on nature based ingredients, such as kohl, berry and olives to color the skin, scientific chemistry was still in the making.

Egyptians worked with pure minerals for pigment and color. They mixed, pressed and broke down precious copper based minerals, such as malachite, along with carbon and manganese oxides to create colored powders used for face powders or eye colors.

Morgina and almond nut oils served as the base for most all Egyptian cosmetics. For blushing color, red ochre was ground and mixed with water to stain the lips and cheeks. For cosmetic adornment, Henna was widely used to paint fingernails and design the skin with intricate and woven designs.

Minerals Today

On a quest to recreate simple mineral based products in the modern world, cosmetic companies such as Bare Minerals and Bee Royal Products practice many of the same harvesting techniques as the Egyptians when formulating pigment colors for eye shadows, bronzers, powders and blushes. Although not entirely organic, the heavily pigmented powders closely resemble those used in Egyptian cosmetics, and they contain many of the same precious minerals.

Modern mineral makeup is weightless, free of talc and additives, fillers, preservatives, fragrance and numerous other skin irritants found in most color cosmetics. Sensitive skinned gals may benefit from switching to a mineral based cosmetic line. Although most mineral lines are hypoallergenic based, be advised that some women still develop an allergy to mineral makeup.

Walking Like an Egyptian

Over time, cosmetics have evolved from their natural roots and have expanded to include phenomenal products that boast added length, erase fine lines and wrinkles, and keep lips stained for hours of wear. For those looking to take a step back in time to the natural beauty style of the Egyptians, the following products are perfect recommendations.

• Kohl pencils: Kohl pencils are a soft and smudgy ancient beauty staple. MAC Cosmetic’s Rosemary and Thyme is a goddess like shade that works on all skin tones without being too harsh.

• Indian Earth Powder, a famous 70’s makeup product is still available in its cute clay pot, promising an Egyptian glow for all that wear it.

• Cheek and lip stains: Cheek and lip stains work double duty and last much longer than their powdered ancestors. Roll on a berry stain for a fruity pout.

• Olive oil cleansers: For glowing and dewy skin, check out an olive oil based cleanser such as Laventine’s organic skincare.

• Bronzers: Bronzer blushes and powders will have you shining like a Bronze Goddess in no time.

• Glitter powder: Sparkle a bit of glimmer dust on your chest and shoulders for a sexy shimmer.

• Self tanner: Flaunt golden skin without the damaging effects of the sun with the help of a self tanner. Jergen’s Daily Glow Moisturizing Lotion gradually tints skin at a believable rate.

• Nail polish: For a mod swing on an ancient goddess look, keep nails short, trim, and coated with two shiny coats of OPI’s fabulous Suzi Says Da! decadent chocolate brown polish.

• Henna: Henna art is a unique and timeless way to adorn the skin in intricate, temporary designs. Henna art stencils can help you create a sexy design that is unique and entirely you.

Mummification

There are many ways to rock the Egyptian life. For those ready to explore ancient body wrapping techniques, delve into the world of mud treatments, known to shed a few pounds while firming and toning the skin.

This ancient ritual, known as mummification, has taken up a modern edge in high end spas throughout the world. Once you’re all wrapped up in strips of muslin, mud treatments are smothered all over your body to firm, detox and soothe aching muscles and joints. Although not entirely ancient, the procedure feels great and keeps your body looking like the goddess it is.