History of Cosmetics
Ancient Egypt was truly a civilized country and well-advanced country, as can be seen even in the history of cosmetics. Ancient Egyptian cosmetics served numerous purposes in the time of the Pharaohs and many of today's makeup are inspired by the practices of bygone Egyptians.
History of Cosmetics - Egyptian Applications
1. AESTHETIC – Many of the makeup forms we see in the modern world are inspired by the cosmetics utilized by ancient Egyptians in their time. Kohl was used as a liner for the inner and lower lids of the eyes while red ochre was applied to lips and cheeks for color.
2. SPIRITUAL – Cosmetics were also utilized by the High Priests in embalming royalty. They believed that the Gods demanded that anyone wishing to enter the next Kingdom must be presentable. The Book of the Dead imposed rules like eye paint and perfume.
3. HYGIENIC – As early as 1500 BC, Egyptians were already using soap in keeping with their sanitary practices. Soap then was made with animal fat and vegetable oils mixed with alkaline salts and perfume. Soap was used for treating skin diseases as well as for washing.
4. MEDICINAL - Cosmetics in those days were also used for medicinal purposes. The roots of a tree called Salvadora persica was used like a toothbrush to provide dental care. Green malachite was ground and mixed with oils to come up with an eye paste believed to have medicinal properties in curing eye diseases.
There are certainly many things to be thankful for to the ancient Egyptians. After all, makeup is one of the biggest billion-dollar industries in the country today.
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