Cleopatra's beauty regimen: Seven practices of the monarch that are effective now
In the annals of history, Cleopatra stands out as a figure of power, intellect, and unparalleled beauty. The Egyptian queen, who ruled Egypt for nearly 22 years, is known for her stunning looks and her holistic approach to self-care. Modern beauty enthusiasts are rediscovering Cleopatra's beauty secrets, adapting them to fit today's skincare trends while maintaining the essence of her natural approach.
Stephanie Schiff, author of "Cleopatra: A Life," highlights Cleopatra's emphasis on natural components to maintain her appearance. Cleopatra's modern adaptations of beauty rituals focus on using natural ingredients and simple DIY recipes that echo her ancient practices while fitting today's skincare trends.
One of Cleopatra's most famous beauty practices was her use of luxurious ingredients like milk baths, honey masks, almond oil, and rosewater. These elements are still popular today for their nourishing and hydrating properties, integrated into many natural beauty DIY recipes. For example, milk baths offer gentle exfoliation and moisturizing benefits, while honey masks provide antibacterial and soothing effects. Almond oil is treasured for its ability to soften skin and add a radiant glow, and rosewater acts as a gentle toner and refreshes the skin.
Modern beauty enthusiasts adapt these rituals simply—favoring gentle cleansers, moisturizers infused with natural oils, and facial massages to boost circulation and enhance natural beauty, similar to Cleopatra’s holistic care approach rooted in health and wellbeing rather than just aesthetics.
Ancient Egyptian makeup traditions, including the use of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lip tints, have also influenced current trends, especially the iconic cat-eye look inspired by Cleopatra, popularized in modern times by portrayals like Elizabeth Taylor’s in the 1960s.
Other traditional natural ingredients used by the Egyptians and adapted today include myrrh and frankincense, prized for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, olive oil, used for moisturizing and healing the skin, and honey and herbs for masks and cleansers. These naturally based ingredients align with the growing demand for clean, simple, and effective skincare alternatives today.
Cleopatra's self-care practices were typical of her time, when knowledge about the properties of plants and oils was passed down through generations. Her facial treatment included a mask made of white clay, honey, and olive oil for a lifting effect and nourished skin. She used a cream made from aloe vera juice, beeswax, sweet almond oil, and rose oil for soft hands.
A modern equivalent of Cleopatra's body scrub can be made by mixing two tablespoons of fine sea salt with three tablespoons of thick cream. For deeper cleansing, Cleopatra used an oatmeal scrub, made by soaking oatmeal flakes in warm water to form a paste, then applying it to the face in circular motions.
Cleopatra began her day by cleansing her face with rose water, which serves as an effective natural toner today. In modern times, a modern equivalent of Cleopatra's body scrub can be made by mixing two tablespoons of fine sea salt with three tablespoons of thick cream.
The simplicity, accessibility, and visible results of these natural remedies contribute to their enduring popularity. While exact ancient formulas are not always reproducible or safe (some historic ingredients like animal urine or lead powder are no longer used), the modern adaptations focus on safe, natural elements, embodying Cleopatra’s legacy of elegance and natural beauty.
In summary, Cleopatra's beauty rituals shaped by natural, whole-ingredient ingredients continue today predominantly through the use of milk baths, almond oil, honey, and rosewater in DIY skincare, the perpetuation of iconic makeup styles like the Cleopatra-inspired cat-eye, and a holistic beauty philosophy emphasizing skin health and radiance over complexity. Historian Stephanie Schiff notes that Cleopatra actively used various oils, herbs, and aromatic substances in her cosmetology. Cleopatra's hair care routine included a milk bath ritual with donkey milk, honey, and almond oil, which can be replaced with cow, coconut, or oat milk.
The natural remedies used by Cleopatra, such as the ones mentioned above, have proven high effectiveness over time. Her self-care rituals were based on natural ingredients, which are still relevant today and can be adapted using modern products. The legacy of Cleopatra's beauty secrets continues to inspire modern skincare trends, reminding us of the power of natural ingredients and the importance of holistic self-care.
Stephanie Schiff's research reveals that Cleopatra's beauty regimen emphasized the use of natural components, such as milk baths, honey masks, almond oil, and rosewater. In today's fashion-and-beauty landscape, these ancient practices have been adapted to fit lifestyles, incorporating natural ingredients and simple DIY recipes that echo Cleopatra's original methods.
Home-and-garden remedies, like Cleopatra's oatmeal scrub or her combination of white clay, honey, and olive oil for a facial mask, have been modernized for contemporary skincare routines, aligning with the growing demand for clean, simple, and effective skincare alternatives.
