The Ancient World is full of amazing cosmetics and beauty products. From perfumes to henna, you’re sure to find something for your skin.
Henna
The practice of decorating the body with natural dyes is a centuries-old tradition in the Middle East, Africa and India. These ancient cultures used henna for hair, nails and facial decorations. It is also used in many cultures for body art and religious rituals.
Ancient Egypt and Israelites used henna to decorate their hands, feet and hair. They also used it to treat heat rashes and other skin disorders. The plant contains antimicrobial and analgesic properties.
Today, henna is used for hair coloring, temporary tattoos and hand and foot designs. Henna can be applied to create floral, geometric, and bold patterns.
In medieval Spanish manuscripts, Christian men and women are shown with henna-dyed hair and hands. Dancers and musicians also henna their fingers to draw attention to their movements.
Henna has been found on the skin of ancient Egyptian mummies. It was believed that henna wards off the evil eye.
Henna is still in use today in the Middle East and various Christian communities of the Levant. It is also used in Ethiopia and the Caucasus. It is believed that henna can cure jaundice and wound healing.
Henna is also an effective natural conditioner for hair. It has been used in the treatment of ringworm and other skin ailments.
Among its numerous uses, henna is believed to be the oldest nail polish. It has been used to color fingernails and to make nail beds stronger and attractive.
Emollients
Emollients are used in ancient cosmetics for their skin-softening properties. They may be applied as a gel, ointment or lotion. Ancient Egyptians used emollients to lubricate and soothe the skin. Some emollients were also given by mouth to treat constipation.
Various kinds of emollients were used in ancient cosmetics, including olive oil, which has been used for thousands of years. Sheep’s wool butter has long been known for its pleasant feel on the skin. It contains a complex mixture of esters.
In ancient Egypt, red ochre was used to create a blush. This was often mixed with vegetable colors. For example, it was used to color the cheeks of Queen Nefertari.
The ancients also used powders, liquids, and perfumes. Many of the ingredients were found in nature, including minerals and liquids. Perfumes were often imported from the Near East.
Ancient Egyptians used many ingredients, such as clay, to produce lip tints. Other cosmetics were made from metal ore, animal fat, and precious stones.
The Greeks imported some of the ideas of the Ancient Egyptians, but were able to develop more of their own. These included creams, which were used for skin protection, as well as ointments for treating baldness.
Ancient Romans also developed some cosmetics. Their religious beliefs had a strong influence on the practice of cosmetics. Priests would anoint statues of gods with scented oils and make-up.
Women also painted their lips and faces, and used eyeliner to define their eyes. Eyeliner was often made from kohl powder. One type of eyeliner was made by grinding green malachite.
Perfumes
Ancient perfumes were made from flowers, woods, and resins. These were used in rituals and baths. They also were used to make beauty products.
The use of perfumes dates back to the ancient Greeks. Royalty was known to use fragrances. In ancient Rome, perfumes were considered to be signs of political prowess.
Ancient Egyptians also used fragrances. They believed that the scents had medicinal properties. Their god, Nefertum, was associated with perfumes.
In the 13th century, Crusaders brought samples of perfume back to Palestine. Perfumes were also used by doctors treating plague victims.
During the 17th century, Europeans learned about the healing properties of fragrances. King Louis XIV was referred to as the “perfume king” and his court was filled with floral pavilions.
Throughout Antiquity, the city of Mendes was well-known for the production of perfumes. Researchers found the home of a perfume merchant in 2012, complete with amphorae and a room for manufacturing the liquid.
Using the formulas from ancient Greek texts, experts replicated the scents. Dora Goldsmith and Sean Coughlin recreated the scent of Thmuis.
Other ingredients included cinnamon, cardamom, and olive oil. The perfumes lasted longer than those produced in modern times.
Fragrances were also widely used in public baths. Visitors were often doused with the perfumes.
The Egyptians and Greeks used fragrances in rituals. They wore amulets that represented the gods. Some of the ancient Greeks believed that wearing perfumes was a way to communicate with the gods.
Etruscan cosmetics
Etruscans occupied much of present day Tuscany, Campania and Lazio in the early iron age. Their culture was unique, with their own set of beliefs and rituals.
The Etruscans were master metalsmiths. They built massive clay ovens fed by coal. This gave them easy access to iron and copper. Etruscans were also adept at producing small bronze objects. These items were used for functional purposes such as mirrors, lamp stands, incense burners and garment pins.
The Etruscans also had a fine arts scene. Several of their notable works can be seen today. Some examples include a bucchero ceramic and an Apollo statue carved by Vulca.
The Etruscans had a sense of humour. In some accounts they even made toasts to the ladies. Apparently, they had the most extensive iron reserve in the western Mediterranean. It is believed that the Etruscans were also the first to import pine resin for the manufacture of beauty products.
One of the most intriguing things to come out of Etruscan culture is the artistic accomplishments. A tomb in the Etruscan necropolis near Chiusi revealed the discovery of an impressive beauty case. Inside was a cream vase that is estimated to have been over two thousand years old.
The Etruscans occupied the area around Rome and south of the river Arno. Their art is a blend of Greek and local designs. Examples of their art can be found in museums worldwide.
Roman cosmetics
Roman cosmetics were an essential part of the life of women during ancient times. Cosmetics were used to reduce the appearance of aging and to enhance the beauty of the eyes and cheeks.
The most common type of cosmetics was a cream. This consisted of white lead, which was often mixed with chalk and orris root.
Romans used many types of cosmetics and they were made with whatever they had available at the time. A few examples of these cosmetics are still found in the archaeological record.
One popular preparation was cerussa. Cerussa was made by mixing white lead shavings with vinegar. Ovid recommended using this to brighten up the face.
Another common form of make-up was kohl. Kohl included antimony and soot. It was also made with a mixture of white marl clay and calcium carbonate.
Other ingredients in cosmetics included olive oil, beeswax, and rosewater. These items were also used as medicines.
One of the oldest forms of make-up in the world was a mask. Beauty masks were designed to smooth out skin imperfections and remove wrinkles. Some of these masks were formulated to provide a natural glow and were very popular in the Roman Empire.
The ancient Romans were very concerned about their appearance. They used a variety of cosmetics and wore them in public. For example, Roman women would wear eye shadow and saffron.
Cosmetics were expensive. Romans also used women as slaves to apply their make-up.