Article المقال ( Novembre )

 

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How did the pharaohs make cosmetics? 

Written by : Mirette Adel Moussa

 

Makeup Ingredients

As early as 4000 B.C., Egyptians used materials in order to design makeup. Some of the common cosmetics in Ancient Egypt included:

Malachite, a copper ore, which provided the green eye makeup color so greatly favored at the time

Kohl, used to draw thick, distinctive black lines, giving an almond shape to the eyes

Red ochre, which was used as lip color

Henna, which was widely used to stain the fingertips and toes

Once ingredients were gathered, time-consuming preparation was needed to make them ready to apply. Minerals were ground into powder and then mixed with a carrier agent (often animal fat) in order to make it easy to apply and stay on the skin.

As the origins of the word "Make Up Pallete" date back to the term "To protect" or "protection" in Arabic.

Make-up is not limited to the living in ancient Egyptian civilization, as explorers at burial sites found some products such as hair combs, jewelry, and perfumes. In the ancient Egyptian Empire, makeup was important for women and men of the time, using black eyeliner 'kohl, lipstick, and other cosmetics that are now common. Queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti are famous for their black eyeliner and blue on the eyelids.

Egyptians mostly used galena (more commonly known as kohl) and malachite powder (a green mineral) for eye makeup. Galena was a black paint that shielded eyes from the scorching desert sun, while malachite powder made the eyes appear larger and protected those who wore it. Both were applied using ivory, wood, or sticks made of metal.

kohl was believed to repel flies and ward off infections, among other things, and offer protection against evil (eyes without makeup were thought to be vulnerable to the Evil Eye). As a result, makeup became a source of personal power.

The ancient Egyptians used powders during their usual rituals to also carry a symbolic meaning, but in any case, as the hieroglyphic term of the cosmetic artist derives from the word "Ceshet", which means writing or engraving, indicating the great skill that requires a person to wear kohl or lipstick.

The most distinctive beauty rituals were carried out in the baths of the ancient rich Egyptian women, who before applying cosmetics, began to clean and prepare their skin by exfoliating the skin with salts from the Dead Sea, or milk bath, while other women preferred to put oils and spices on their bodies in order to smooth. After the process of preparing the skin, the servants bring the ingredients, the necessary tools, to put cosmetics.

Meanwhile pots that include cosmetics are also important, sometimes made of glass, gold, and semi-precious stones or had ivory containers and applicators that were beautifully carved and bejeweled. People of the humble or less affluent class used simpler cosmetics relied on clay pots and sticks.

Men and women drew attention to the lips as well. This was typically done with the use of red ocher. It was often applied alone but in many cases was mixed with resin or gum for a longer lasting appearance. As for lipstick, the servants of pharaonic times mixed animal fats, vegetable oils, and paint.

Queen Cleopatra wore a unique red lipstick created from flowers, red ochre, fish scales, crushed ants, carmine, and beeswax. Her signature shade made red a popular choice.

Though poorer men and women also wore handmade lipsticks, it was largely regarded as something for the upper class. This is why well-off women were often buried with two or more pots of lip paint.

Red ocher was commonly used to add color to the cheeks. The process of creating this blush started with mining naturally tinted clay (hydrated iron oxide) from the ground before it was washed to separate the sand from the ochre. It was then left to dry in the sun to make the natural color appear more vibrant. Sometimes it was left to burn in order to achieve a more intense shade.

After the pigment had been created, it was mixed with water for smoother application. This created a stain, similar to the many lip and cheek stains that are on the market today. Egyptians applied this handmade mixture to the apples of their cheeks using a wet wooden brush. The end result was a noticeable flush that men and women admired.

Using red ochre on the cheeks was done by both the upper and lower classes. However, those with money and power typically bought manufactured cosmetics sold in marketplaces. Poorer people often made their own versions at home.

The Egyptians used a type of henna (a dye made from leaves from the henna shrub) to paint their nails. Since the length and color was often linked to social status, upkeep was especially important. Not only did kings and members of the upper class have manicurists, people used henna to tint the nails yellow or orange.

High importance was placed on scents and skin care. Egyptians would keep their skin smooth, hydrated, and wrinkle free by applying creams and oils made from animal fats. Fragrances were also very important as it was believed that good scents were godly. As a result, and they made scented products derived from flowers like sandalwood, lilies, iris, and frankincense.

Finally, much of our current-day makeup application is tied to the past. Just think about everything from cat eye makeup to bold red lipstick and cheek stains. All date back to ancient times! there is no denying Egypt's impact. Their methods continue to influence and inspire.