Ancient Greek women preferred a natural appearance and rich women used make-up to create their desired look. Pale skin was fashionable at the time, and women used white lead or chalk to lighten their skin. It is astonishing to think that lead was used on the skin, with its very harmful and potentially fatal properties. If women used it frequently, it would have surely caused early deaths. Most of us can attribute this to the adage of 'ignorance is bliss' but it is rather disturbing to think that lightening creams are still prevalent today. Although not as damaging as lead, but still very dangerous. Lipstick was also worn and made up of red iron oxide and clay, a similar red powder was also lightly used on the cheeks. Distinctive eyebrows were held in high regard and dark pigments were used to darken their eyebrows and to create a connected brow (unibrow). Eyeshadows were also made with charcoal and oil.
Women in Ancient Civilisations clearly took their beauty routines very seriously with some very clever ideas and preparations. Another aspect of Ancient Greek life that I am fascinated with, is of course the costume and the beautiful drapery of that time. Look out for an upcoming post where I will be commenting on the divine fashions of Ancient Greece and its depiction in Classical and Hellenistic sculpture.