History Of Cosmetics In Egypt

As early as 10,000 BC, men and women used scented oils and ointments to clean and soften their skin and mask body odour. To colour the skin, body and hair they used dyes and paints. They often rouged their lips and cheeks, stained their nails with henna, and lined their eyes and eyebrows heavily with kohl. Kohl was a dark-coloured powder made of crushed antimony, burnt almonds, lead, oxidised copper, ochre, ash, malachite and chrysocolla. They applied the kohl by using a small stick. The upper and lower eyelids were painted in a line that extended to the sides of the face. This was done to give an almond effect. It was believed that kohl eyeliner could restore poor eyesight and reduce eye infection. The kohl was kept in a small, flat-bottomed pot with a wide, tiny rim and a flat, disk-shaped lid.

Cosmetics were a big part of Egyptian hygiene and health. Oils and creams were used for protection against the hot Egyptian sun and dry winds. Myrrh, thyme, marjoram, chamomile, lavender, lily, peppermint, rosemary, cedar, rose, aloe, olive oil, sesame oil and almond oil provided the basic ingredients of most perfumes that were used in religious ritual and embalming the dead. For lips, cheeks and nails, clay called red ochre was ground and mixed with water. To dye their fingernails yellow or orange, henna was used. Makeup was stored in special jars that were kept in special makeup boxes. Women would carry their makeup boxes to parties and keep them under their chairs. Although men also wore makeup, they did not carry their makeup kits with them.


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