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We have often heard captivating stories of how Cleopatra set beauty standards with her charm that is spoken of even centuries into her death.
We see documentaries claiming Cleopatra and Hatshepsut III being some of the most beautiful female rulers in ancient civilization with their looks and wooing men around them, but we often ask ourselves how they were able to maintain their flawless complexion despite the harsh conditions of their time?
We are living in a world where the use of skincare products is as popular as candy among children but the situation was very different back then. With no factories or technologies around, people relied on natural ingredients such as milk and honey to keep their skin as soft as silk. These ancient beauty secrets were cultural practices and everyday life rather than making one look good.
Every civilization and dynasty had its own unique approach to beauty that was as much about ritual as it was about aesthetics.
Fascinated with these age-old secrets to modern skincare and thinking if you could incorporate these practices into your daily routine? Then read along to have a better understanding of ancient beauty. We will uncover the knowledge that adds a certain charm to transform your skincare routine. So, let’s get started!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ancient practices for maintaining or improving complexion, it’s important to discuss what people in the lost dynasties thought about appearance. For example, Greeks created statues to depict their take on perfect beauty whereas Egyptians linked it to religious deities and rituals.
It’s a fascinating prospect to see how the perception changed with time and space.
The concept of beauty among Greeks was about symmetry and proportion. The famous sculptor Phidias crafted statues that represented the ideal human form, which characterized balance and harmony. Men and women were seen differently with women getting admired for their soft and graceful features whereas men were being praised for their muscular physique. This shows that physical features and complexion mattered in society back then and are still a hot topic of discussion in the modern-day world.
However, ancient China had different beauty standards than the Greeks and Egyptians, where women were celebrated for their delicate features and bound feet which symbolized grace and status whereas men were admired for their wisdom and scholarly achievements rather than physical appearance.
These standards were influential in shaping societal norms as they dictated people to behave, dress, and interact in a certain way. It set expectations for how individuals should embody and uphold cultural values, which became influential in setting up social roles to personal identity.
Now that we have discussed what these civilizations thought about beauty and its portrayals, let’s get into the fascinating skincare practices starting with Ancient Egypt.
In that era, complexion and physical appearance were more than about how good you looked. It was about religious practices and being an influential figure. Take Cleopatra for example, the queen of all things glamorous is best known for her beauty practices.
Her milk bath routine is still a popular topic of discussion among beauty and health influencers and is recommended for having smooth skin. The lactic acid in milk is documented to gently exfoliate her skin, making it look radiant and young. She is also known to use cucumbers which keep her complexion fresh and vibrant with its cooling and hydrating properties.
It doesn't stop there as her use of almond oil to moisturize the skin and hair has been widely documented whereas her use of kohl eyeliner is a fashion statement. It is protected from the harsh sun and sand. The eyeliner reduced glare and protected her from certain skin infections.
Broadly speaking, Egyptians mastered the art of incorporating natural pigments and minerals such as malachite and lapis lazuli for producing stunning cosmetic items with eyeshadows and lip colors to name a few. Henna became an essential element used for dyeing hair and nails which added a touch of color and elegance.
Beauty played an influential role in influencing religious beliefs and social hierarchy and was perceived as divine favor and a symbol of status. The elaborate rituals and cosmetics were more about belief in gods projecting you as a status symbol than looking attractive.
After discussing going through the beauty standards and practices in the sand dunes of Egypt, we shall step into the fascinating world of Ancient Greece where beauty was not about pleasing the gods or being a status symbol but rather creating a harmonious marriage of looks and human intellect.
We would start by talking about Aphrodite and Athena who gave a new meaning to physical looks. Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty and is defined by physical allure and grace whereas Athena is known as the goddess of wisdom and strength.
The veneration of goddesses showcases that ancient Greeks didn't merely appreciate the highest standards of physical beauty in a person but also looked for mental strength & agility. Both of these features were valued with the highest regard in their society.
So, you must be wondering what skincare routine which Greeks used. The answer lies in their avid use of olive oil. It was in popular use for having radiant skin. It is packed with vitamins and antioxidants which is a staple in skin care routines.
The facial masks made from honey and yogurt were also popular at that time as well with people believing that honey fights off bacteria naturally whereas yogurt has soothing qualities, perfect for keeping the skin fresh and clear.
But for the Greeks, beauty played an important role in lifestyle with individuals giving importance to exercise and a balanced diet as much as their looks. The physical activity and the use of fresh fruits, and vegetables, in their meals kept them fit and healthy.
The Greeks perceived true beauty as a "harmonious balance of moral and intellectual virtues." Individuals who are looking to incorporate some Greek beauty vibes should remember that it’s about striking a balance between looks, and physical well-being with humility and grace.
The Roman Empire was characterized by its formidable army and the political system but the beauty practices were just as fascinating. Similar to Egyptian civilizations, beauty was a symbol of power and social status rather than a personal preference.
We must keep in mind that the beauty practices of Romans were inspired by Greek traditions. This means that the standards were pretty high. The Romans embraced the Greek notions of symmetry and proportion which led to them holding physical appearance and well-groomed presentation in high regard.
Their concepts were also from their Eastern practices as well with Persian beauty rituals (popular for luxurious and exotic flair) making their impact felt in the society. The women wore various perfumes and cosmetics made from Eastern ingredients, giving modern-day fragrances a run for their money.
Baths and saunas played an integral role in Romans maintaining beauty standards. They were "community centers" where people came together to chat, rest, and show off their grooming routines. They used scrapers called Strigils to exfoliate the skin. The massages made them look and feel pristine.
Hair care mattered a lot among Romans with men and women dying their hair with natural dyes. The blond and red hues were the popular option. Women style their hair in different ways such as adding false curls or hairpieces. The process was time-consuming but considered status symbols.
Romans were peculiar about their perfume choices as they improved their allure with different local and imported fragrances. It was part of the daily routine and a status symbol, with richer scents reserved for the elite.
The perception of beauty in Roman society wasn’t just about looking good but an indicator of social status. Wealthy Romans could afford more exotic grooming and cosmetics, setting themselves apart from the lower classes. It was a way for them to show off their social standing
Now that we have discussed the dynamic nature of the beauty standards in the Roman civilization, let’s get into the vibrant cultures that personified the Tang Dynasty in China. This was when beauty was a cultural symbol brimming with sophistication and elegance
The Tang Dynasty was unique in its perception of beauty standards. Women with slender figures with delicate features were highly admired. However, there was a fascination for women with small feet. This paved the way for the "lotus feet culture,” where foot binding was a common practice. It’s fascinating to see such practices shaping our concept of beauty.
The Tang ladies use some unique skin care routines. The females would swear by rice water, thinking that it was soothing and brightening for the skin. They also apply a paste made out of lotus seeds on their lips, thinking it would make their lips look fuller and inviting.
They also incorporated pearl powder for radiant skin. These practices show a lot about beauty being an art form as well as a ritual.
Beauty was depicted in various art forms in literary materials during the Tang dynasty with women being the inspiration for artistic creations. It gave a new meaning to beauty standards and practices with its unique take on tradition, and cultural richness.
The opulent world of the Mughal Empire is characterized by Persian elegance and Indian traditions. The Mughals had a rich cultural fusion incorporated enchanting beauty practices and held grand rituals to celebrate it.
The age-old customs were influenced by Persian sophistication and Indian vibrancy with Mughals coming up with a unique style that was regal and personal. Take their beauty routines for example as it requires extensive use of exotic herbs. The products which included saffron, sandalwood, and rosewater played an essential role in improving complexion and fragrance.
The spices were incorporated into pastes and oils, nourishing the skin and giving it a coveted glow.
Henna and mehendi art are a striking element of Mughal beauty with men and women applying it on their skin in different designs, creating temporary but visually appealing patterns. This is more than decorative art. It has religious significance as well and is a symbol of celebration and personal achievements.
Apart from mehendi and henna, Jewelry and adornments continue to play an integral role. The elaborate necklaces, sparkling earrings, and ornate rings are prepared using top-quality gemstones and cater to individuals’ status and personal tastes.
Aztecs perceived beauty as a celebration of health and spiritual devotion in the bustling heart of Tenochtitlán.
The beauty standards were intricately tied to the life force and divine favor that the Aztecs revered with glowing complexion and energetic demeanor being considered signs of divine favor and personal well-being. It was important for the individuals to stay fit thanks to their healthy lifestyle.
The most popular form of Aztec beauty practice was the Temazcal, which is a traditional sweat bath that was more of a purification ritual than cleansing. It is used to detoxify individuals and rejuvenate the spirit. The intense heat and the aromatic steam made people feel fresh and spiritually clean.
The Aztecs were big fans of natural dyes and pigments. The individuals used to paint their bodies and faces with vibrant hues made out of plants, minerals, and insects. It was a status symbol and sign of ritualistic significance. They used to be applied in intricate patterns that represented certain beliefs.
When we talk about jewelry, jade, and turquoise were the popular gemstones among Aztecs. They used to be crafted and worn proudly, symbolizing wealth and their spiritual connection with gods. It was a testament to the wearer’s spiritual and social standing.
In Aztec culture, beauty was thought of as a divine affair with individuals offering human sacrifices to please deities and have a spiritual connection with the divine. This blend of health, ritual, and adornment made Aztec beauty both captivating and profoundly sacred.
It can be a fascinating prospect to study and analyze the beauty standards of ancient civilizations and dynasties, especially how they have evolved over the years. It is interesting because it only offers a glimpse into what the societies thought about beauty in the past and allows us to understand the philosophy. The reconnection with age-old practices provides an in-depth look into the cultural significance behind their perception and lets us enrich our perspectives towards these practices.
Did you enjoy reading this article and would like to know more about skincare practices and techniques? Then visit The Honest Review for more interesting content. We provide interesting content and the latest news on health, beauty, skincare treatments, body therapies, and whatnot.
