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Egyptian Makeup
Egyptian makeup Traditions:
Egyptian makeup is a very interesting subject. The Egyptians believed beauty and fashion were very important. Men and women both wore makeup. Eye makeup was probably the most characteristics of Egyptian cosmetics. Before 4,000 B. C. the Egyptians wore makeup. The art of makeup was highly skilled and widely practiced. The makeup was usually black or green to signify fertility and rebirth in the next life. They painted their lips red or blue black.
The ancient Egyptian makeup tradition of outlining the eyes with pigment to create an almond or feline shape and the importance placed upon this practice, however, transcends the Western concept of eye makeup. As we have seen to be typical of the ancient Egyptians, they took a truly holistic approach to the concept of eye makeup. Not only was it decorative and ornamental, the practice also served medicinal, magical and spiritual practices.
Eygptian makeup Eyes: Eye make up provided psychic protection as well. The Egyptian word for eye-palette seems to derive from their word for "protect." An unadorned and thus unprotected eye was believed vulnerable to the Evil Eye. Outlining the eyes thus became a personal protective amulet drawn right upon the skin; an amulet that once applied could not be lost or misplaced.
The most popular colors of Egyptian makeup were green and black. The green was originally made from malachite, an oxide of copper. In the Old Kingdom it was applied liberally from the eyebrow to the base of the nose. In the Middle Kingdom, green eye paint continued to be used for the brows and the corners of the eyes, but by the New Kingdom it had been superseded by black. Black eye paint, kohl, was usually made of a sulfide of lead called galena.
Eygyptian makeup Galena: Galena is still used in Egypt under the name kohl. It is easily and inexpensively purchased in the marketplace. Outside of Egypt, it is easily purchased through vendors that supply accessories to Eastern dancers. Galena possesses disinfectant and fly-deterrent properties. It is believed to offer the eyes protection from intense sun. The medical papyri frequently prescribe mesdemet for assorted complaints of the eye.
While other cosmetics such as rouge and nail polish were considered exotic body décor for special occasions, eye makeup was thought to be a necessity and an important status symbol. There were two different types of makeup generally used on the eyes, and both were not only meant to improve physical beauty, but to serve spiritual purposes as well.
Mesdemet: Dark grey in color and usually made out of lead, you would find Egyptians wearing this on the Red Sea Coast. It was also among the materials brought back by Pharaoh Hatshepsut's famed expedition to Punt and was given in tribute as a gift to many. Of course in this day and age we would never use a lead derivative on our skin, however, in ancient times it was an acceptable and unassuming practice.
Udju: Created from green malachite (derived from copper), this was found near Sinai. The Sinai area was considered to be ruled by the Egyptian goddess of beauty, love, and women. This made the makeup especially treasured and symbolic to female wearers, who believed it worked almost as an anti-depressant, releasing positive energy of love and happiness.
Most non-Egyptians need a lot of practice before applying traditional makeup correctly, however, the result can be truly beautiful and perfect for your African travels or for a classy costume party. Egyptian eye makeup has a permanent spot in beauty and cosmetics history, and becoming skilled in the way of the ancient queens and other rulers is a unique and fun skill to have.
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