Ancient Egyptian Men Used Eye Makeup For Many Reasons

AncientPages.com - Frescoes discovered in ancient Egyptian temples illustrating daily life reveal men often wore makeup. In facts, it’s almost impossible to find a portrait of an ancient Egyptian whose eyes are not decorated.

During all periods and dynasties, eye makeup was a daily prerequisite for both men and women. Why did ancient Egyptian men wear eye makeup? There were a number of reasons actually.

Ancient Egyptian eye makeup was very elaborate and used as early as 4000 B.C. Eye makeup equipment (palettes, grinders, applicators) has been found among the earliest burials of the pre-dynastic period and seem to have been essential items for the afterlife.

Ancient Egyptians used a variety of cosmetics such as eye make up, rouge and perfumed oils that softened the skin and prevented burning in the sun and damage from the sandy winds. Galena powder possesses disinfectant and fly-deterrent properties.

It is believed to offer the eyes protection from intense sun.

The smoky kohl liner served both practical and ritualistic purposes. It was thought to repel flies, protect the eyes from the Sun's rays and ward off infection. Makeup helped to imitate the looks of the gods. Favorite eye make up colors were black and green and outlining the eyes with pigment was deliberately done to created an almond or feline shape.

Eye make up provided psychic protection as well. The Egyptian word for eye-palette seems to derive from their word for "protect." An unadorned and thus unprotected eye was believed vulnerable to the Evil Eye. Outlining the eyes thus became a personal protective amulet drawn right upon the skin; an amulet that once applied could not be lost or misplaced. Makeup was believed to have magical healing powers.

Although cosmetics were certainly used for the purpose of beautification, in ancient Egypt, eye makeup did more than paint a pretty face.

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