This report will discuss the hairstyles, make-up and fashions of the Egyptian era and the time of Cleopatra. The icons, the influences these icons had on both men and women's fashion, makeup and hairstyling, social groups and social statuses, economic trends and technological advancements will be analysed from a critical viewpoint. .
Summary.
This report will focus predominantly on the internal and external forces that influenced the cosmetics and fashions in the Egyptian era and the time of Cleopatra. To support my findings I will use references from various sources, reliable online sources will include, websites, e-journals and blogs. I will also be using various extracts from books.
Horus.
Horus was seen as one of the most important Gods in Egypt, he had a falcon head and most Kings in Egypt associated themselves with this God, the Pharaohs' were supposedly the Horus of the earth.[Egy97]. The eye of Horus was believed by the Egyptians to have magical powers to help protect. This belief came from the myth of a battle where it was said Horus lost his left eye, and it was later restored, believed to have been done magically. This is the reason why the Egyptians wore kohl and applied green paint underneath the eye, to repel evil spirits that may cause disruption[JHi10].
Makeup.
Makeup in the Egyptian era was worn regardless of a persons' economic status or gender. It was readily available to all, regardless of their social status, however, just like in todays' society the equipment used to apply products and also what the cosmetics were stored in was an indication of their wealth.[Pau01]. Eye makeup was also thought to have had magical powers. This was due to the link of the almond shape drawn on with black galena, also known as kohl, and the falcon eye of the God Horus. .
It was also a way to protect their eyes from disease[Kat10]. The heavy eyeliner which was made from lead ore is what helped prevent waterborne diseases.