It was so prevalent that by the 1920s there was no malachite available in the regions where early Egyptians lived (Angeloglou 19). Malachite was one of the first preserved cosmetics in history, as well as being an exceptional antibacterial dye (Hinden www). The black liner that served as a sun protector was drawn on to the top and bottom eye lids and met out to the side symbolizing wings. Kohl, the material used for lining the eyes, was also used for darkening the eye lashes (Sage 33). The more fashionable Egyptians used a mixture of ant eggs and mortar to etch their eyes as an ornamental ointment (Angeloglou 19). Often times women would shave off their eyebrows and draw them on thick with black kohl with them nearly touching in the middle (Brief www). .
Egyptian men and women would paint their faces a yellowish tint with the use of a yellow iron oxide. Linen dipped in the oxide mixture was draped over the face, neck, and arms until the tint was acquired (Brief www). Women had special metal plates which were used exclusively for emulsifying the powders and then applied using a moistened fingertip (History www). The make up process was a very slow process for the women of Egypt. The wealthier women had special containers for their make up; to help preserve them called toilet boxes. They would wear certain slippers as well as having special elbow cushions to help ensure sturdiness (Angeloglou 23). .
In addition to the careful adornment of their face, the women of Egypt would use henna to color their nearly perfect hair designs. The wealthier women would spend a whole afternoon creating hairstyles of various geometric proportions (Angeloglou 20). Henna was also used to tint the fingernails and palms. The henna was rubbed into the hands and dried in the sun to produce the desired orangey-brown hue (Castleton 154). .
The use of cosmetics with the Greek culture did not seem to surface until 1000 B.