Yes, the Ancient Egyptians did wear make-up. Cosmetics held great significance in ancient Egyptian society and were used by both men and women. They believed that applying makeup had both practical and symbolic purposes.
One of the most iconic forms of ancient Egyptian makeup was kohl, a black substance made from a mixture of galena, lead, and other ingredients. Kohl was applied around the eyes in elaborate designs, creating the characteristic almond-shaped eye look that is often associated with ancient Egyptian art. It was believed to have protective and medicinal properties, as well as the ability to ward off evil spirits.
In addition to kohl, other cosmetics were used, including various types of eye shadows, lip colors, and face powders. They made use of natural pigments like red ochre and carmine for lip color, while green and blue eye shadows were derived from minerals such as malachite and azurite.
The use of makeup was not only for aesthetic purposes but also had religious and symbolic significance. It was associated with notions of beauty, protection, and the desire to resemble the gods and goddesses depicted in their religious beliefs.
The art of ancient Egyptian makeup has left a lasting impact and continues to inspire modern beauty trends and practices.