Makeup Ancient Egypt: Beauty Secrets of the Pharaohs

Women were famous in the era of the ancient Egyptians for ancient Egyptian makeup, which was the first to use makeup in the world, as women cared about their appearance and beauty starting from applying makeup to the face, reaching the wig and perfuming their body with attractive scents, and after that makeup began to develop with the different eras but the ancient Egyptians were the first to discover cosmetics, and we will look with you through our article on the most prominent makeup tools of the ancient Egyptians, so follow us.

Types of ancient Egyptian makeup

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The ancient Egyptians especially women used many types of makeup and cosmetics, the most prominent of which are the following:

• Kohl

Kohl is one of the most prominent types of ancient Egyptian makeup that was used in ancient times, as the Pharaonic woman was the first to use kohl more than 10 thousand years BC, and men also used kohl in ancient Egyptian civilization and used it to widen the eye and believed that kohl protects the eye from the sun god and the evil eye, and the shape of kohl in ancient times was completely different from its shape at the present time as it was very thick and dark black in color.

• Mascara

Mascara is one of the most prominent ancient Egyptian makeup tools It is one of the cosmetic tools that have been used since 3000 BC.

They used it for the purpose of beautification and to protect the eyes from the sun The shape of mascara has also evolved since the time of the Pharaohs until now.

• Lipstick

The history of lipstick dates back to Mesopotamia which is now known as Iraq more than 5000 years ago, where women used to grind a type of precious stones and put them on the lips and sometimes put them around the eyes for the purpose of beautification. 

Lipstick was one of the most famous ancient Egyptian makeup tools The ancient Egyptians invented a type of lipstick with a red color that tended very much to purple They made it from seaweed, bromine and iodine.

This type was toxic and led to serious complications for the body.

As for Cleopatra, she used lipstick made from a type of beetle that gives a dark red color and is done by adding ants and another substance extracted from the shell of a marine animal The goal of putting lipstick in ancient Egyptian civilization was to beautify to please the gods.

In ancient Egypt, lipstick colors were more than just a beauty choice, they were a symbol of status and power. Women and even men used natural pigments to enhance their appearance, with red lips being especially popular.

Red was associated with vitality, passion, and divine beauty, often achieved using crushed carmine beetles or red ochre mixed with oils. These bold lipstick colors weren’t just cosmetic—they reflected the wearer’s connection to the gods and their place in society.

• Blush

One of the most prominent types of ancient Egyptian makeup and cosmetics that women used in the past is blush It was made by mining naturally colored clay from the ground before washing it to separate the sand from the ochre.

After that, it was left in the sun to dry and the color became natural and appeared more vibrant, Some Pharaonic engravings also appeared that indicate the presence of blush and its use in the past.

• Hair Styling Tools

The ancient Egyptian woman was known for styling her hair and diversifying the work of different hairstyles for her hair, as they used distinctive haircuts such as the bob curly hair, short hairdo, and also braids There was also a hairdresser who specializes in hair only, and there were hairstyles specific to queens and other women.

There were also special things to fix the hair, and the Egyptian woman used to make different hairstyles from time to time She also used wigs and women wore them on special occasions, in addition to wearing wigs which were braids of jewelry and precious stones, but only the rich wore them, Poor people wore wigs woven from papyrus or shaved their heads and wore a head covering.

• Skin Masks and Care

Egyptian women in the era of the Pharaohs cared a lot about the beauty of their skin before applying makeup and used to exfoliate the Dead Sea salt to soften the skin, in addition to making milk and honey baths and applying oils and creams that were soaked in spices.

Egyptian women also used steam to clean the skin, and used to remove body hair using wax honey and sugar.

• Perfumes and deodorants

Perfumes and deodorants were an essential part of ancient Egyptian makeup, as women in the past cared greatly about the smell of their bodies by making perfumes from mastic, myrrh, pine resin, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, mint, juniper and many other natural herbs.

They also made deodorants in the same way as perfumes, but they were less fragrant than perfumes but they were in the form of a paste and were rubbed on the body to prevent the smell of sweat They also used fruit juices mixed with frankincense and cinnamon to prevent the appearance of the smell of sweat.

• Hair dyes

Egyptian women were very interested in hair dyes, which were made from pomegranate peel and turmeric They also worked to fix the colors by using some natural materials, as Egyptian women cared about their beauty by making natural recipes to maintain their beauty for as long as possible.

• Neutral eye shadows

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Eye shadows are considered one of the most famous types of ancient Egyptian makeup which still exists today as Egyptian women had several colors, the most prominent of which were beige and dark gray which gave a strong glow to the eye.

• Women’s interest in nails

Egyptian women cared about their nails greatly, as they used a type of henna that was made from henna tree leaves to paint nails which lasted longer.

• Oral Care Products 

The ancient Egyptians cared about oral hygiene by making many natural materials that are characterized by their pleasant smell to get rid of bad odors and freshen the mouth, as the toothpaste was a mixture of mint, rock salt pepper and dried iris flowers, and they used to grind these ingredients well and put them on the teeth, and they made toothbrushes from papyrus paper and the bristles of the brush were made from papyrus.

Conclusion

Makeup in ancient Egypt was an essential part of daily life for both men and women, and it influenced beauty practices in many ancient cultures, including Ancient Rome.

Egyptian cosmetics included eye makeup made from kohl, which was often lead-based, and face cream crafted from natural oils.

Red ochre was used to color the lips and cheeks, while white lead provided a pale complexion, a trend later adopted by Roman women.

In the first century CE, Roman beauty products sometimes included exotic ingredients like asses’ milk, believed to soften the skin.

These luxurious routines show how deeply Egyptian beauty standards shaped later civilizations.

Ancient Egyptian makeup holds a fascinating place in the history of makeup, celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its symbolic significance.

Both men and women adorned themselves with vibrant cosmetics, including striking red lipstick that enhanced their lips with bold color.

Makeup was carefully applied to complement a range of natural skin tones, emphasizing beauty and status while also serving protective and spiritual purposes in daily life and ritual.

Common Questions About Ancient Egyptian Makeup

What materials did ancient Egyptians use for makeup?

They used natural ingredients like malachite for green eye paint, galena (a type of lead ore) for black kohl, and red ochre for lip and cheek color. These minerals were ground into powders and mixed with fats or oils to apply.

Why was eye makeup so popular in ancient Egypt?

Eye makeup helped protect the eyes from the sun’s glare and from infections. The dark pigments also reduced the reflection of sunlight. Beyond health, it symbolized protection and was linked to religious beliefs, notably the Eye of Horus.

Did men wear makeup too?

Yes, both men and women used makeup. Men often applied kohl around their eyes, not just for looks but for protection and symbolism. Makeup was common across social classes.

How did ancient Egyptians apply makeup?

They used small sticks or brushes made from wood or reeds. Sometimes, they applied pigment with their fingers. Kohl was often pressed into place with a small applicator called a “kohl stick.”

Was makeup safe to use in ancient Egypt?

Some ingredients, like lead-based kohl, might have been toxic but were used because of their believed protective qualities. The health benefits seemed to outweigh risks for them.

What did makeup symbolize in ancient Egypt?

Makeup signified status, beauty, and power. It was also seen as a way to connect with the gods, protect oneself spiritually, and promote health.

Did cosmetics have religious or magical meaning?

Yes. Egyptians believed makeup had protective powers against evil spirits. They linked it to gods and used it in rituals to ensure protection and good fortune.

Was makeup used in burial practices?

Absolutely. Bodies were often painted and adorned with cosmetics for the afterlife. Makeup was part of the burial tradition to help the deceased look their best in the next world.

How long did ancient Egyptian makeup last on the skin?

It could last several hours, especially the pigments mixed with oils or fats. Some makeup was waterproof enough to stay on through daily activities.

Where can I see examples of ancient Egyptian makeup today?

Look for jewelry, statues, tomb paintings, and preserved mummies. Museums with Egyptian collections often display makeup palettes and tools.

Did makeup styles change over time in ancient Egypt?

Yes, styles and colors evolved across dynasties, influenced by changes in fashion, religion, and trade. Eye makeup remained constant but details varied.

Can ancient Egyptian makeup inspire modern styles?

Definitely. The strong, graphic eye lines and use of natural minerals influence many modern makeup trends. Many people are drawn to its bold and artistic look.