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While history is a peek into the culture and norms of times past, it also helps us understand where current-day trends and norms originated.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, the Ancient Egyptians have often been called one of the most innovative civilizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From their pyramids to religious traditions, historians and scientists have been fascinated for centuries by their practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One cultural norm that has had a lasting impact and continues to be a source of fascination is how men and women in ancient Egypt wore makeup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This beauty ritual was not just in women; men, as early as 4000 B.C., adorned heavy makeup like eyeliner and painted eyebrows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But why did they wear makeup? And how did they develop these products without today’s modern technology?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on the writings, artwork, and artifacts discovered, the ancient Egyptians cared greatly about their physical appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From dying their hair to painting their nails, many of today’s beauty standards were practiced centuries ago by both men and women in ancient Egypt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But unlike many of today’s beauty products, the Ancient Egyptians used the resources from the natural world around them to create their makeup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Substances like malachite, kohl (more commonly known as galena), ochre, and henna were commonly used to add color to their makeup, while animal fats acted as an emulsifier for the ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While galena or kohl was used to paint the eyes or eyebrows black, malachite or copper could be used to give a green tint to the eyelids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These materials were applied using sticks, ivory, or wood. However, it wasn’t only men of a high status that wore makeup \u2014 it was popular across classes for various reasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference between upper and lower-class Egyptian makeup was in the intricate makeup storage and containers that royalty used to hold their materials.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wealthy Egyptians would have makeup boxes built out of ivory and carved wood, while lower-class citizens would use small jars, pots, and containers to hold their makeup creations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both men and women in ancient Egypt choose to accentuate their lips through the use of red ochre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The color of lipstick could vary from red, black, orange, or magenta. But lipstick wasn’t just another beauty ritual \u2014 the color of an individual’s lips could also indicate their status. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Archaeologists have discovered burial tombs of royalty containing one or more pots containing lipstick materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Ancient Egyptian paintings, men of nobility are depicted in paintings wearing dark kohl around their eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There were several purposes for this male eyeliner, but it ultimately gave a dramatic appearance in pictures and historical artifacts found from this time period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Male eyeliner was common no matter an individual’s status in society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Upper-class men in ancient Egyptian also made sure to take care of their nails, with many having personal manicurists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nail polish was made during this time period by using a henna mixture to create a dye for the nails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from the color, even the shape or length of nails could indicate an individual status in society. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Norms of Male Makeup<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eyes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Protection of the gods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n