Makeup has been used by humans for thousands of years, and ancient civilizations had their own unique beauty rituals. One such civilization is ancient Egypt, where makeup was not only a way to enhance one’s appearance but also had symbolic and spiritual significance.
In this article, we will explore seven fascinating facts about makeup in ancient Egypt and the beauty rituals of the pharaohs.
1. Makeup had both practical and symbolic purposes.
Makeup in ancient Egypt had both practical and symbolic purposes. Egyptians used makeup to protect their skin from the harsh desert sun and to keep away insects. They also believed that makeup had spiritual significance and could protect them from evil spirits.
2. Kohl was an essential item in every woman’s makeup kit.
Kohl, a dark powder made from ground-up galena and malachite, was an essential item in every ancient Egyptian woman’s makeup kit. It was applied to the eyes using a small stick or brush and was believed to protect the eyes from the sun’s glare and ward off infection.
3. Men also wore makeup.
Makeup was not just for women in ancient Egypt. Men also wore makeup, including kohl around their eyes and red ochre on their lips and cheeks. It was a way to enhance their appearance and show their status and wealth.
4. Different colors of makeup had different meanings.
In ancient Egypt, different colors of makeup had different meanings. Red ochre symbolized youth and vitality, while green was associated with fertility and rebirth. Black kohl was used to protect against the evil eye, and blue was believed to have a protective power against disease.
5. Makeup was used in religious ceremonies.
Makeup was not just used for cosmetic purposes in ancient Egypt. It was also used in religious ceremonies and rituals. Priests and priestesses applied makeup to symbolize their connection to the gods and to enhance their appearance during religious ceremonies.
6. Makeup was sometimes made with toxic substances.
Some of the substances used to make ancient Egyptian makeup, such as lead and mercury, were toxic and could cause serious health problems. However, ancient Egyptians were not aware of these dangers, and many continued to use these substances in their makeup.
7. It was an essential part of the afterlife.
Makeup was so important to ancient Egyptians that they even included it in their burial rituals. Makeup was applied to mummies to help them appear more lifelike in the afterlife, and many burial tombs contained makeup kits and mirrors.
Makeup in ancient Egypt was more than just a beauty ritual. It had practical, symbolic, and even spiritual significance.
