When we think of Cleopatra’s beauty regimen we think of milk baths and yet there isn’t any actual documentation that Cleopatra bathed in milk. The first historical figure to be documented in the Roman Empress, wife of Nero, so what was Cleopatra’s skin-care regime then? In the Egyptian desert, how did she maintain beautiful skin? To combat the desert heat she would have to rely on hydration, moisturizing and possibly exfoliation? One thing is for certain, Cleopatra loved her luxurious, Let’s take a closer look and delve in.
Exfoliation
Since Cleopatra would have access to salt mined caves, not her personally, she would have sent her people to obtain salt from these caves with some caves that were near the Nile River. Plus sea salt from the sea, specifically it is called Dead Sea, known for its high mineral content and healing properties. Cleopatra would include a few drops of olive oil into the sea salt before exfoliating. By creating a scrub Cleopatra is removing dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and smooth texture while moisturizing her skin. To follow Cleopatra’s recipe, sea salt and olive oil to create a scrub. This would leave her skin soft and supple. Olive oil was a common ingredient used amongst Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Romans for its beauty rituals, including hair-care.
Rose Water
Cleopatra is known to bathe her face and body with authentic rose water. It is also known that Cleopatra would use rose water as a natural toner to tone and revive her skin. Rose water is anti-inflammatory, and its cooling and refreshing.
Honey, Clay & Botanical Masks
Historical accounts have said Cleopatra would have used this kind of mask in her beauty regimen. Cleopatra is well-known for loving her honey in her beauty routine. Honey delivers moisture and anti-bacterial benefits.
Some other ingredients Cleopatra favoured in her masks are aloe vera, white clay, grapes and herbs, and honey. All of these ingredients combined for one mask or masks, Cleopatra would use these ingredients to make several masks if not for just one mask. These masks help to brighten, purify and calm the skin.
Oils for Skin & Hair
Cleopatra would use several oils for her hair and skin. Olive oil being one of them to strengthen hair and moisturize skin. Other oils that provided her with hydration is caster oil. Moringa oil and almond oil, Cleopatra would use one or the other to help nourish her scalp and hair. Cleopatra’s hair regimen was not just about hair-care as it is about sustaining strength and healthy growth. Other oils Cleopatra was fond of were essential oils such as jasmine, sandalwood, etc. for its aromatherapy and luxury.
Egyptians were known for their love of perfume oils, being a huge part of their beauty culture.
Kohl eyeliner
To protect eyes from the sun, some say sun glare, it was common for Pharaohs, not just with Cleopatra, to wear kohl eyeliner. It was applied under the eyes for men, while women applied kohl liner to symbolize the fish from the Nile River, and the green hue was also to represent the Nile River, as well. If you’re interested, we can discuss further how Ancient Egyptians made their make-up. From using beetles that they would crush, then apply as make-up and more, it’s really actually quite interesting.
One thing that has been made clear across all historians and with all research, Cleopatra’s beauty regimen revolved around luxury, aromatherapy, exfoliation and protection. Something Cleopatra, as some would say, understood when it pertained to beauty regimen.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
Face by Stace 