Beauty and Makeup in Ancient Greece: Analytical Essay
Ancient Greek
The ancient Greek idea of beauty consisted of pale skin and gold locks. Pale skin signified prestige and beauty. Women would use White Lead to lighten the shade of their skin. The Lead would be dissolved in water to create a paste, which would then be applied to the face, neck, shoulders and arms. White Lead was also used as a face mask to remove impurities from their skin and Olive Oil was used as a facial cleanser and moisturiser.
Roses, Lotus flowers, Mulberries, Marigolds and Lavender are a few examples of natural ingredients used in Ancient Greece. “Beauty products were also made from plant roots and red wine. Beetroot was popular amongst women as it gave a pink hue to the cheeks and lips” (Makeup, n.d.). A paste made up of red iron oxide, beeswax and olive oil was used as lipstick. In addition to this, a red powder, made from beetroot, was used on the cheeks.
Eye Makeup
Grecian women used very little makeup in order to keep their complexion pale. Charcoal, a sooty, black substance, usually made from sticks of charred wood, proved useful as eye makeup. Similar to the Egyptians, ancient Greek women defined and emphasized their eyes by staining them with black powders. “They used charcoal, soot and ashes as eyeliner, brow filler and eyeshadow; they also used kohl or powdered antimony” (Makeup, n.d.). This is a toxic chemical similar to lead and just as harmful. Women preferred very dark, heavy, exaggerated eyebrows and they even sometimes connected their brows – to create the unibrow.
Ancient Greece Hair
In ancient Greece, hair was especially taken care of as it was very important. The way in which women would wear their hair showed the differences in class. Slaves had their hair cut short whilst the rich, or free, had very long hair. Once a woman got married, she would tie her hair in a bun. Different types of hair accessories like a diadem, jewelled combs, hairpins, and such other accessories were very popular. Many Grecian women also learnt how to wave their hair.
Most women naturally had darker hair in ancient Greece, however, they loved golden locks. To make their hair lighter they applied vinegar to their hair and stayed in the sun. This was the most commonly used way to achieve a lighter colour. Additionally, olive oil was also used as a part of the conditioning treatment of the hair. This not only moisturized their hair but made them soft and shiny.
Ancient Greeks also mainly wore tunics or long dresses which were pale in colour to keep them cool from the sun.
Bibliography:
- Makeup, A. Ancient Greek Makeup, Ancient Greece Hair, Ancient Greece Makeup. Retrieved 16 April 2020, from http://www.ancientgreecefacts.com/ancient-greek-makeup/
- Bimbrahw, K. Beauty in Ancient Greece. Retrieved 16 April 2020, from http://worldexpogreece.weebly.com/beauty-in-ancient-greece.html
- Greek Goddess Makeup | Historically Accurate & A Modern Twist!. (2019). Retrieved 16 April 2020, from https://makeupscholar.com/greek-goddess-makeup/
