The world of Ancient Egypt has always been one of the most fascinating periods of history, and it is likely that the references to the fashions, beauty looks and colour schemes of that visually remarkable time we see today, were all first most notably brought to the forefront of our cultural arena way back in 1922 when English archaeologist, with the help of a keen-eyed waterboy, discovered the tomb of boy-king Tutankhamun.
This year sees more than 150 authentic artefacts from the tomb take up residency in London's Saatchi Gallery until 3rd May 2020 before returning to Egypt forever in the new purpose-built museum. Curator of the collection, Egyptologist Tarek El Awady speaks to Grazia about the major influence that Ancient Egypt has had in beauty and beyond.
The Role Of Makeup In Ancient Egypt
'Both women and men from all social classes wore makeup in Ancient Egypt. Eyeliner (Kahal in Arabic) was available to almost all different classes of people in ancient Egypt, even poor women and men were able to afford it. However, other social classes were able to afford more than the eyeliner, for example, wigs, lipsticks, body ointments, lotions and perfumes were largely used by upper and middle classes. In fact, wearing make up in ancient Egypt was one of the signifiers of class. '
Influencing The Modern Day Beauty World
'Looking at the beautiful scenes of Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramsess The Great, one can see how advanced the Ancient Egyptians were in the beauty field. All other civilizations thenceforth were influenced by not only the makeup products of Ancient Egypt, but also by the way they applied them. They had very different looks that altered with skin type, the age of that person and his or her place in society.'
Men And Makeup In Ancient Egypt
'Men wore makeup also, for example the most famous image of Tutankhamum shows him wearing eye liner, however in general men's makeup was more limited than women's makeup. They wore mostly eyeliner and wigs. Body lotion and perfumes were also regularly used by men.'
Beauty Buys Were Imported From Far And Wide
'It was normal and also expected to see more makeup used by upper class people in Ancient Egypt. On the walls of their tombs we found many references to the cosmetics they brought from exotic countries like Punt in Africa or Syria and Iraq.'
Ancient Egyptian Makeup Kits
'Makeup tools were found in Ancient Egypt and museums in Egypt are filled with items that had been used either as containers for makeup or to actually apply the makeup, for example tools to apply eyeliner.'
Wig Etiquette
'Women and men wore wigs. the style of hair and wigs was changed from period to period according to the fashion. However, and in general, short hair was preferred by men, unlike women who admired having long healthy hair. there are many scientific studies and articles on wig styles in Ancient Egypt.' Hair was a big part of the Ancient Egyptians beauty regimen. 'Among the titles found in Ancient Egypt were the barber, the royal barber, and the wig maker. We have also found descriptions of what oils and ointments can be used not only for natural hair but for taking care of the wigs too.'
The Best Felt Tip Eyeliners
1 of 9Glossier Pro TIp Liner, £15
Glossier's Pro Tip Liner took the internet by storm - and for good reason too. The paint brush tip glides on and stays put for 12 hours straight.
2 of 9Stilla Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, £16
Impressive staying power, water resistant, and totally foolproof. This eyeliner is one of the best in the beauty business.
3 of 9Benefit Roller Liner, £18.50
If you love Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara, then you'll love the new Roller Liner. It's flexible tip creates a smooth line and dries completely matte.
4 of 9NYX Professional Makeup Super Skinny Eye Marker, £9
For a dainty, thin line opt for this small felt tip pen from NYX cosmetics.
5 of 9Chantecaille Le Stylo Ultra Slim Eyeliner, £30
This calligraphy-style pen will not drag or pull and is available in both black and brown.
6 of 9Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen, £18
The ultra-thin tip glides on seamlessly for a perfectly smooth line.
7 of 9Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Liquid Liner, £51
This water-proof formula dries so quickly and won't transfer onto eyelids.
8 of 9Charlotte Tilbury The Feline Flick Liner, £22
Start at the inner corner of your eye and sweep a thin line across the lash line before flicking it up diagonally at the end.
9 of 9Nars Eyeliner Stylo, £22
This eyeliner will stay put all day long. The inky formula is packed with black pigments and delivers a flawless feline flick in one fell sweep.
Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra Look, Fact Or Fiction?
'Cleopatra is depicted on the walls of Dendara temple in Egypt, and her profile is depicted on many coins found in Egypt. All of this material was available to the film makers and they used it to finalizeElizabeth Taylor's appearance as Cleopatra', though needless to say things were embellished ever so slightly we think.
It's clear that the Ancient Egyptians had a wealth of beauty knowledge, and, from oils, ointments, hair products and wigs, lotions, you name it. It's the eyeliner we all think of though isn't it, the hefty dose of Kohl Kajal or graphic slick of black. If anything is responsible for the continuing trend for felt tip liners its this ancient origin.
Shop: The Best Felt Tip Liners
YSL Couture Kajal
1 of 1YSL Couture Kajal, £26
The Tutankhamum: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery is utterly mind-blowing to. tell you the truth. To see how advanced the craftsmanship of Ancient Egypt was at that time in its carpentry, artistry, you name it, is fascinating, and we can only imagine how skilled they were when it came to makeup, hair and beauty as a whole.
Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh presented by Viking Cruises is at the Saatchi Gallery until 3rd May 2020. Tickets on-sale now, please visit:[www.tutankhamun-london.com](http://Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh presented by Viking Cruises is at the Saatchi Gallery until 3rd May 2020. Tickets on-sale now, please visit: www.tutankhamun-london.com).
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