Ancient Egyptian Makeup SecretsThe use of ancient Egyptian makeup was for both men and women, and was popular throughout the entire history of ancient Egypt. Eye makeup was the main form, and it was used daily. There were other types of makeup for the lips, cheeks and skin - but those were usually used only on occasion and not by everyone.If you've seen the movie Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most captivating elements of this movie was the costume and makeup design. The cat eyes and glittery shadows, with the array of enticing fabrics, created a magical image of ancient Egyptian queens. The truth is, though, makeup was not really that elaborate. There were basically two types of eye makeup used, and like I said before, for both men and women:
They basically just lined their eyes in a cat-eye style, mainly for medical and spiritual purposes. Ancient Egyptian doctors recommended the use of eye makeup to reflect the rays of the sun and to keep insects away. On a more spiritual level, the eye represents protection (such as the eye of Horus), and decorating it as such acted as a protective amulet. On almost all carvings, statues, and paintings - the ancient Egyptians were wearing eye makeup. It was a daily habit which they took great care in practicing.
Applying Ancient Egyptian MakeupTo put on the makeup they had to have special tools and substances to mix it with. You see, the eye makeup didn't come in a ready-to-use form like eyeliner and such. It was basically a substance you'd have to first grind into powder, and then you'd have to mix this powder with a base. Usually they used fats to mix the powder with first to make it stick to the skin.To do this there was a range of equipment needed such as grinders, palettes and things to apply the product with. And depending on rank and wealth, these tools could range from simple leather pouches and sticks to embellished and bejeweled containers and applicators. Until today, this process is still pretty much the same in Egypt for the application of Kohl - which is basically the same stuff the ancients used for eye makeup. Of course, if you want to try out an "Egyptian Queen" makeup look, you'd probably want to go for something similar to Elizabeth Taylor's in Cleopatra. Especially if you have a fancy dress party or a fancy occasion, this look is very beautiful and a lot of fun to try! Here is a video tutorial I found on the application of the "Egyptian Queen" makeup look. It's by MakeupAdikt who has an amazing makeup tutorial channel on YouTube. In fact, I recommend checking out all of her other videos too, they are all super!
The deceased were not without their beauty routines either! The body was washed and perfumed, and then they'd have makeup applied to them. They would be adorned with their best outfits, and their makeup tools would be buried along with them. Male and female by the way... ...Ancient Egyptian makeup was definitely part of everyday life and everyday afterlife! I guess this practice didn't go out of fashion till now, with some funeral directors more talented than makeup artists of the stars!
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