I’ve always, always been fascinated of Egyptian civilization; of the pyramids and its treasures and of the classic beauty of Nefertiti. And not to mention, Cleopatra. So when a famous non-MMU makeup brand launched one of its latest collections, I just can’t help but be held in wonder on the way Egyptians did their makeup. From a little research on the web I came up with some info:

Gaze at the myriad portraits of ancient Egyptians and what looks back? Consistent meticulously and beautifully outlined and ornamented eyes. It is virtually impossible to find a portrait of an ancient Egyptian whose eyes are not decorated. During all periods and dynasties, eye makeup was a daily prerequisite for both men and women.

Although we know the Egyptians possessed the equivalent of our rouge, lip-gloss and nail polish, these were used only upon occasion, apparently as a matter of personal preference, style and fashion. The ancient Egyptian tradition of outlining the eyes with pigment to create an almond or feline shape and the importance placed upon this practice, however, transcends the Western concept of eye makeup. “Makeup” to modern Westernized ears has the ring of something frivolous, something optional. Although cosmetics were certainly used for the purpose of beautification, in ancient Egypt, eye makeup did more than paint a pretty face.

That the Egyptians decorated their eyes with great aesthetic care is immediately obvious. Eye cosmetics bestowed beauty and style as well as other gifts, perhaps less immediately apparent to modern eyes.

We can see how ancient Egyptians paid great attention to beauty. The most notable detail of their everyday makeup is the eye. And since Halloween is just around the corner, I thought of doing a sort-of tribute to the ancient Egyptians.

I know I look quite scary, I didn’t even recognize myself! Here’s a full face shot:

This look was achieved using 90% Mineral Makeup, except for the e/s base on my whole lids, white liner on my waterline and the lipstick I wore. I used the following:
- Milan’s Mojito pigment on my lid, just slightly above the crease
- Milan’s Tiki Lounge pigment on my lid, below the crease
- Milan’s Gold Myne pigment of my browbone to highlight and also on the corners of my nose
- Indelible gel liner in Choco mousse brown to lengthen and accentuate my brows
- Indelible gel liner in Magnetism, a charcoal black with gold flecks to line my eyes

I tweaked my application technique in a way that I did my eyes first after my whole face. So for the face:
- Monave loose mineral foundation in Saturnina
- Milan’s yellow daze concealer for the undereyes
- MAD minerals’ oil control powder (which is non-MMU by the way)
- Bare Escentuals’ blush in RSVP to contour my chubby cheeks

Overall, it was fun and tiring! Especially the part where I had to extend my brows and line my eyes the way Egyptians did. They used kohl traditionally as liner. But since I didn’t have one, I used my indelible gel liner and applied it with a fine liner brush (which, by the way, you can find in art stores).

This kind of eye makeup, I probably would never wear on a daily basis. The color combination from Milan’s Do You mineral pigments can be re-worked to suit an everyday look. Once again, mineral makeup is just so versatile! It can be used for different looks, be it for simple eye makeup or something dazzling for your Halloween party.

Happy Halloween everyone!