Beauty In ancient CIVILIZATIONS around the world

What would the ancient people have used for the sake of beauty?

EGYPT
The people of Egypt were very conscious of beauty and hygiene and was considered a necessity of ancient Egyptian life, not only for the beauty but also for magical reasons.

Milk and honey baths

• Cleopatra was known to take baths in milk and honey
• They would replace the milk by the moon cycles
• Honey was used to keep the smell away and for its many benifits

Aromatherapy and perfume

• Egyptians used essential oils as perfume
• Myrrh, Frankincense and Cinnamon were very popular
• Rosemary, Olive and Almond oils were favoured among the lower class

Cosmetics

• Egyptians believed that the eye of Horus would offer protection
• They lined their eyes with black kohl made from Galena
• A popular lip and cheek stain was red ochre

CHINA
China was a country that believed strongly in the holistic lifestyle and treating the body internally to gain results externally.

Cosmetic acupuncture

• A procedure developed by the people of China
• Fine needles are inserted into meridian energy points
• Massaging the meridian points is very beneficial

Herbs and tea

• The people of China's philosophy was to treat internally
• Dandelion, Rose and Cactus were very beneficial to the skin
• Teas and herbs could also be used topically on the skin

Cosmetics

• Makeup was very important for indicating social status
• A blossom design on the forehead was considered beautiful
• The upper class would dye their nails with gum arabic and beeswax

JAPAN
Japan is an isolated country surrounded by ocean with very unique and interesting beauty traditions, going back thousands of years ago.

Uguisu no fun

• Originated from Korea to lighten fabrics
• Lightening properties on the skin
• Geisha and Kabuki actors used it as makeup remover

Rice

• Japanese used rice for beautifying properties since 2800BC
• Working women would bathe in the water used to clean rice
• They would use rice bran oil on the skin for its many benefits

Cosmetics

• Geisha's makeup is an iconic part of Japanese culture
• 2 trends with Japanese women; Himiyaku and Ohaguro
• Rice powder would be used all over the face

ROME AND GREECE
The Romans and Greeks created the foundation of beauty and hygiene and was a very important part of their cultures

Bath Houses

• Greeks believed that gods blessed certain springs to cure disease
• Romans took the concept and made extravagant bath houses
• There was a tepidarium, caldarium and frigidarium

Mud and Crocodile Dung

• Greeks and Romans used a mix of mud and dung
• Many benefits to the skin when used as a mask
• Believed to prevent the natural ageing process

Cosmetics

• Used white lead and for a whiter complexion
• The Romans and Greeks liked eyebrows close together
• They Used kohl and soot for eyeliner

Questions?