HOW ANCIENT EGYPTIANS USED EYESHADOW AS A FORM OF PROTECTION
The history of makeup dates back thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, both men and women commonly used makeup not just to enhance their looks; using makeup also had a spiritual significance. The use of makeup was associated with wealth, and ancient Egyptians believed that it appealed to their gods, per Britannica. The containers of their makeup had various symbols, and in some cases, animal pigment was added into the makeup mixture, as they believed it transferred powers to the wearer (via Natural History Museum of Utah).
Applying makeup is also a ritual in itself. According to CNN, women prepared their skin by exfoliating with sea salt and then having a milk bath. They made use of milk and honey face masks, as well as oil infused with spices to make the skin soft and supple. Men and women of wealth kept their makeup in containers made of gold, precious stones, and glass engraved with images of goddesses and animals that represent regeneration. In addition to beautifying the wearer, makeup also served as protection.
Images of ancient Egyptians are most commonly depicted wearing black makeup around the eyes. They used kohl, also called galena, and mixed it with malachite powder. Galena is a mineral that was abundant near the Nile River. It was crushed and mixed with malachite, a green mineral, as well as animal fat to make it easier to apply to the skin (via Encyclopedia).
Kohl was used on the rim of the eyes as well as on the eyelids of both men and women. According to The Collector, the makeup shielded the eyes from the harsh rays of the Egyptian sun. The mixture of the minerals also kept flies away and was believed to protect against infections. As noted by Egyptologist Helen Strudwick, "Significantly, kohl had therapeutic value in protecting the eyes from infections caused by sunlight, dust, or flies," (via World History). The makeup mixture consists of lead, which has antibacterial properties. Although toxic, the Egyptians processed the ingredients before using them, which significantly decreased the levels of lead and made them safe for use as eyeshadow or eyeliner.
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The makeup mixture consists of lead, which has antibacterial properties. Although toxic, the Egyptians processed the ingredients before using them, which significantly decreased the levels of lead and made them safe for use as eyeshadow or eyeliner.
That is absolutely amazing. 