Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt

Kohl (like eyeliner) The cosmetic box was the most important item a woman would have in her home. A key component of this box was the kohl pot, a small container often made of alabaster. Kohl, a black or green eye makeup, was used to enhance the eyes, making them appear larger and more attractive. Interestingly, ancient Egyptians believed that kohl not only served as a cosmetic but also provided protection against bacteria and harmful sun rays. It was even used for medicinal purposes. Kohl was applied to the eyes using a small stick made of wood, bone, or ivory, which was dipped into the kohl powder and then drawn along the upper lash line. This tradition continues to this day among Nubian women in Aswan.

cedar wood ornamental box

A cedar wood ornamental box from the Twelfth Dynasty inlaid with silver is evidence of extreme wealth

kohl pot

How kohl applied

Lipstick

The red color that was applied to the lips of Egyptian women using a brush or to the face using fingers. Women also moisturized their skin using milk mixed with vegetable oils to create a liquid cream that was easily absorbed. -A beautiful image of the lovely Queen Nefertari’s lipstick can be seen in her tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

Perfumes

Perfumes varied with the diversity of fragrant plants and flowers. Among the most famous of these plants was the lotus, and among the most famous aromatic oils were almond oil and olive oil. Incense was also well-known as a type of fragrance, especially in homes and temples to ward off evil spirits. Some of the finest incense came from the land of Punt, and this is why Queen Hatshepsut sent her famous expedition there to bring back its seedlings and cultivate them in Egypt. Egyptian women were not only concerned with their appearance but also with their overall beauty, which included not just the scent of their bodies but also the scent of their breath. Therefore, women always took care to perfume their clothes, homes, and mouths to eliminate any unpleasant odors. For this purpose, they used various types of white incense, camphor, and frankincense. -Girls help the princesses wear perfume. One of them pours it on her hand and the other on her head

Wigs

Ancient Egyptians were familiar with wigs (false hair) from the very beginning of the dynasties and both men and women wore them. Women often placed fragrant cones on their wigs so that the perfume would melt and spread through the wig, emitting a lovely scent. Not only that, but there were also hairdressers. We see one behind Princess Kawit from the Middle Kingdom era styling her hair, using pins to secure the hairdo. The princess is also shown holding a beautiful mirror to admire her reflection.

The pin girl

The pin girl (the oldest hairdresser from the tomb of Princess Kawit from the Middle Kingdom fixes the pins on the princess’s wig)

a girl styling a princess’s hair, holding a mirror to see her beauty

The mirror

The mirror was one of the most important cosmetic tools and pieces of jewelry in ancient Egypt. It is one of the most iconic tools used by women throughout history. For the common people, mirrors were made of wood or bronze, while those of princesses and royal wives were made of silver with golden handles. -A silver mirror with a golden handle belonged to one of the wives of King Thutmose III.

The comb

It is one of the oldest cosmetic tools known to the ancient Egyptians, and it was made of ivory or wood for styling hair. An ivory comb from the reign of King Djet, a pharaoh of the First Dynasty, was found in his tomb at Abydos. -Ivory comb of King Djet of the First Dynasty