Make-up kits found in tombs were stored in chests and included bronze or copper mirrors, small jars of make-up or ointments and a variety of applicators the Egyptians used.
Both men and women in Ancient Egypt wore make-up. It protected their skin from the damaging effects of the desert climate. Cosmetic makers used red ochre to make rouge, and they mixed it with ointment to make lip balm. Malachite was used for green and galena for dark gray paint.
Egyptians used perfume as a deodorant. They wore cones of perfume on their heads at feasts. When the cones melted, they released fragrances into the air.
Eyeliner
The black eyeliner is one of the most recognizable elements of fashion in ancient Egypt. Although appealing to the modern world due to contemporary trends, this type of eye make-up was more than a fashion statement. Egyptians used Kohl, a black substance that served as protection against the glare of the sun. Some theories speculate it was also used for protection against the ‘evil eye’.
Women’s Fashion
Painting of Nefertari and Isis
Women of all classes wore ankle-length sheath dresses made of linen. Peasant women wore plain linen dresses and some statues show servant girls wearing dresses made of colored fabrics sewn in a checkered pattern.
Upper-class women wore pleated dresses with fringes, sometimes covered with a transparent garment. Formal clothing was often more elaborate and the later periods brought Greek or Roman fashions.
Men’s Fashion
Poor Egyptian men often only wore a loin cloth while working. Upper-class men wore knee-length kilts, made of a rectangular piece of linen, with pleats or a stiffened front. They wrapped the kilts around their bodies and either tied them or used something to fasten them in place. Sometimes, men wore cloaks during cool weather.
Relief in the tomb of Merymery
Children’s Fashion
Images show that poor children wore no clothing until they hit puberty. Wealthy children wore similar clothing to their parents’. Egyptians shaved their children’s heads, except for a long section of hair called a youth lock. Children also wore makeup, including kohl (grinded stibnite).
Ancient Egypt Fashion Facts
- All Egyptians wore clothing made from linen.
- Both sexes used makeup as beauty aids and to protect their skin.
- Women wore ankle-length, sheath dresses.
- Men wore kilts or loin cloths.
- All Egyptian classes wore jewelry.
- Some items of jewelry were amulets designed to protect the wearer.
- Wealthy children wore clothing and makeup like their parents.
- Jewelers made some jewelry of colored glass.
