Did you know that the Ancient Romans originally used makeup to perform rituals? Over time, makeup and skin care have become a natural part of everyday life. For Ancient Roman women, maintaining the appearance of healthy skin, without wrinkles and blemishes was what affected their reputation.
Ancient Roman aristocrats could buy makeup from China and Germany, whereas ordinary people could only afford cheap cosmetics or even make their own. For those of you who are curious about the beautiful secrets of ancient Roman women, see below!
Makeup Used by Ancient Roman Women
The Ancient Romans had a standard of beauty that required having clean white skin. Since their skin was naturally darker, they used chalk powder and lead to lighten it. Anything will be done to meet the existing beauty standards even though they have to use hazardous materials.
For eye makeup, they like big eyes with long eyelashes and thick eyebrows. So Ancient Roman women would darken their eyebrows with soot or fine, soft charcoal grains.
As an eyeshadow, they use kohl (eyeliner) made of turmeric and ash. In addition they use the mineral malachite to make blue eyeshadow and charred rose petals for black.
Ancient Roman Women's Skincare
Not only makeup, Ancient Roman women were also diligent in doing facial treatments, you know!
Natural Mask
As reported by Italy Magazine, the Romans made their own mask made from rose water, eggs, olive oil, anise, and almond oil. They also use goose fat to remove wrinkles, wow!
Face cream
Not only masks but Ancient Roman women also made creams and lotions to fight wrinkles, pimples, dark spots, and peeling skin. They used oil from plant seeds, sulfur, vinegar, honey, basil juice, and rose extract. In addition, they also use materials that are quite extreme, namely placenta or animal waste.
Poppaea Sabina's Royal Care
One of the wives of the Ancient Roman emperor, Emperor Nero, Poppaea Sabina even had a special treatment named after her, Poppaeana. The empress will soak in soy milk mixed with other dough.
Usually he was assisted by a team of slaves called Cosmetae, who were in charge of applying skin care products. Reporting from History Hit, Poppaea reportedly needs so much milk that she has to carry an army of soybeans wherever she goes.
Roman Age Hair Care and Color
Hair care was also something that the Ancient Romans paid great attention to. Many people will go to their hairdresser or Omatrice to curl or color them.
At that time, the color blonde or red is the color most desired by them. The process of coloring hair begins with dyes that contain plant and animal substances. After that, the hair will be washed with oil, water, or left overnight.
To get curly hair, they use heated bronze rods. After that they will use olive oil serum to keep their hair moisturized. Interesting, yes.
Well, that's the treatment that Ancient Roman women used. If you want to follow it, make sure to use safe ingredients, okay!