How Did Egypt Use Cosmetics

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Egyptian Cosmetics
A large part of the Ancient Egyptian Civilization was cosmetics, such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, and even special oils. Believe it or not, the base of most cosmetics/makeup was oil! Makeup, or at least select cosmetics helped them from certain difficulties. This also affected the modern world today! Makeup has been around for a very long time and was in fact created by the Ancient Egyptians. But some may wonder, why did the Egyptians create makeup? What were their cosmetics made of? And how did this invention affect the modern world today?
The Reason for this Invention
The Ancient Egyptians had created makeup/cosmetics to help their overall lifestyles. They had some difficulties to battle in their lives such as climate and medical complications, and certain cosmetics could somewhat help with that. Siteseen LTD. Egyptian Makeup says, “Kohl shielded the eye against the sun.” Because the ancient Egyptians lived in a relatively hot and dry climate. The Egyptians needed a skin protectant, therefore that was one of the uses of their cosmetics to help them live a better lifestyle. In addition, “Medical reasons- Ancient Egyptian eye makeup was used for medical purposes… Galena, which made the Khol have disinfectant qualities.” According to Siteseen LTD. Egyptian Makeup.
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According to Andre’ Dollinger’s “Personal Hygiene and Cosmetics”, “Oil was the base of most cosmetic products… The finest oil was pressed from the fruit of Balanites Aegyptiaca.” This quote is directly stating that the base of most cosmetics was indeed oils. The reasoning behind this is the use of oils were very good and healthy for one’s skin. This can do things such as reduce wrinkles, help dry skin, protect the skin, is a good primer/base for the makeup, shrinks pores, calms rashes, and can also reduce acne. “Ancient Egyptians kept their skin vibrant and flawless with special oils.” (Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group,

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