What was the role of cosmetics in Ancient Egyptian life? Where did they get their makeup: in a store, or gather it up somewhere?
Ancient Egyptians were well aware of, and made frequent use of cosmetics such as lipstick, rouge, and eye shadow. Several bottles and vases were found, containing ointment and kohl, or collyrium, for the eyes. OINTMENT: The ointment was scented in various ways, some having retained their scent for several centuries. The Egyptian populous used a great deal of ointment, as indicated in numerous paintings, representing the reception of guests. We only discovered a few ointments in the tombs. From the little that we have, it appears that Egyptian ointments were made with nut oil, but it is probable that animal as well as vegetable grease was employed for this purpose. The common people, both men and women, used the oil of the kikki, or castor-berry, for anointing themselves. Other oils were extracted from sesame, olive, almond, flax, selgam (cole-seed), seemga, lettuce and other vegetable products. EYE MAKEUP: The custom of staining the eyelids and brows, with moistened powder of a black c
