Egyptians may have invented beauty products long ago and developed manufacturing technology. Their medical literature describes ways to eliminate wrinkles and dye hair black and gray. Cosmetic articles include: cosmetic ink for drawing eyebrows and canthus; Draw the rim of the eye into green and gray malachite and aluminum ore; Red ochre is used for rouge or lipstick; Dye scattered flowers on nails, palms and soles; Human hair is used to make wigs (the top is sealed with melted beeswax) and so on. Ladies and gentlemen who want to dress the most fashionable also paint their breasts golden and their nipples blue.
Why did the ancient Egyptians put on makeup?
On the west bank of the Nile, near the valley of the Queen of Egypt, is the site of the village of Deir Medina. Labyrinth, waist-high stone walls and worn-out handicrafts all belong to the village workers. During the New Kingdom, they worked in the catacombs of the pharaohs and queens such as Tutankhamun. From about 1525 BC to 1075 BC, the royal family provided all the necessities of life for these recruited workers in exchange for their hard work. Years and centuries have passed, and Del El Medina has developed into a prosperous society with its own village commune and small industry.
During the reign of Ramses III (BC1187-1156), the residents of Del Medina staged the first workers' strike in history. As the food supplied by the government did not arrive as scheduled [Source: Bud and Schubert], to make matters worse, officials detained a shipment of massage oil [Source: Struhar, Struhar and Furman]. Workers think ointment is the key to their health and happiness. Without it, they will stop working and ask the government to intervene. Oil and animal fat can block the heat and sunshine in the Nile Delta, protect the skin of Egyptians and relieve muscle pain. Employers usually regard them as part of workers' wages. Sometimes add or extract spices to make thick emulsion and original moisturizer, which are just cosmetics used by Egyptians for health care. For example, before they leave home to start a day's work or attend banquets and celebrations, Egyptian upper-class men will spend a little time decorating their eyes. Just like King Tutankhamun's staring eyes in a young Pharaoh's sarcophagus, he wore heavy eye makeup and black eye shadow lines extended from eyelids to temples, which was very fashionable in this new kingdom period. At this point, the black eye shadow has replaced the green eye shadow. In the ancient kingdom period (2650-2 BC134 BC), the popular style was natural emerald eye shadow made of malachite (basic copper carbonate). In order to apply this heavy makeup, Egyptians may use a smooth piece of wood or bone to rub powdery minerals from the eyebrow line to the bottom of the nose [source: Stewart]. The reason why ancient Egyptians liked cosmetics was not simply to indulge their vanity. Men, women and children abide by this very strict personal health care rule, which is dominated and produced by climate, religion and society.
Cosmetic box of ancient Egyptians
The murals carved in the corridor inside the Queen's Valley depict the daily life of ancient Egyptians and their life after death: strong men show off their thick eye makeup-made of crushed minerals and oil. Their smoked eyeliner has both practical needs and religious ritual purposes. People think it can drive away flying insects, protect eyes from sunlight and prevent infection. This exaggerated makeup also imitates the facial appearance of Horus, the sun god, and Horus is usually depicted in the shape of an eagle [Source: Stewart].
From the hairstylists and hairdressers carved on murals, it can be seen that ancient Egyptians paid great attention to their facial hair and body hair. For men, they are only allowed to stop shaving or trimming their beards during mourning. In order to make himself holy, male priests will pull out all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Upper-class Egyptians often wear scented wigs and fake beards made of human hair, and even lower-class residents wear wigs made of plant fibers and other decorations.
In addition to the function of skin care, oils and animal fats are also used for hair care. They put the fat of lions, snakes or other animals on the scalp as a homeopathic treatment for baldness [source: Xiao]. Egyptians also cover their silver hair bundles with light red henna dye to delay hair turning white. On festivals, men and women will wear scented cone ornaments made of dry grease on their heads. After heating and melting, the cone-shaped ornaments will emit fragrance, such as lily fragrance, myrrh fragrance, cardamom fragrance and other flowers and spices.
In terms of social status, cosmetics and decorations reflect the social class of ancient Egyptians, just like some aspects of today's culture. For example, a brand-name bag slung around is a symbol of status, and the symbol of a rich Egyptian woman is a cosmetic box that she carries with her. On the other hand, it reflects the social category, that is, dancers and concubines are tattooed with dot patterns and the image of the goddess Bath, who is the god of singing and family. [source: Lineberry]
After their death, cosmetics should also be within reach. In the valley of Empress Dowager Cixi, the coolies of Del El Medina transported cosmetics such as wig boxes, gorgeous jewelry and eye shadow samples to the grave. Senior craftsmen in the village will also bury similar items with them. Even after death, men and women in ancient Egypt needed to dress up.