Ancient Egypt ~ Makeup and Beauty

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Egyptians of both sexes wore makeup. They colored their eyes, lips and styled their hair. 4000 years ago it was common for them to grind up ores like malachite and ochre that was called coal. They applied this all around the eyes. This was no fad or fashion, it was believed that it protected them from the gods Orris and Ra. Scientists today feel this may have protected them from eye infection. Women stained their cheeks with red ochre and colored their hands and nails with henna. Oils, myrrh, and cinnamon were used as fragrances because they associated fragrance with fertility, beauty, and rebirth. They took makeup and perfumes to their grave believing that looking attractive in the afterlife might help them with resurrection. Hair was another thing they went all out for. They removed any unwanted hair with tweezers. They made wigs out of human hair and plant fibers. The best wigs had tiny beads layered into double-decker styles. Priests shaved their heads completely for purity as well as hygiene. Hair accessories were status symbols. Beauty was a connection to the Gods. The picture is from Wallpaperaccess.com