6 of Cleopatra's Ancient Beauty Secrets
Riya Kumari | Nov 20, 2024, 23:59 IST
( Image credit : Timeslife )
When you think of Cleopatra, you're probably picturing a glamorous woman lounging on a silk chaise, wearing dramatic eyeliner and giving side-eye to a string of Roman emperors. The truth? She was that, but there’s more to the story than just being a goddess of allure. Cleopatra was also an expert in the art of beauty—long before fancy skincare lines and expensive serums became a thing. Her beauty regimen wasn’t about trends—it was about results.
So let’s take a dive into the queen’s six best-kept beauty secrets that would make even today’s beauty influencers question their overpriced serums.
1. Cleopatra's Milk Baths
Cleopatra’s famous milk baths are the stuff of legend. We’re talking about gallons of goat’s milk in a giant tub. You might think, “Okay, that sounds like something you'd do at a spa retreat.” Well, yes and no. While it sounds luxurious, she wasn’t just getting a little pampering. Cleopatra was soaking in the lactic acid that’s naturally found in milk, which exfoliates the skin and leaves it as smooth as silk. Think of it as a DIY facial—except way more indulgent. It wasn’t just about feeling royal; it was about getting glowing skin that could launch an empire. Modern skincare brands are still trying to get that milk-derived glow, but good luck finding a tub this big or a milk supply that divine.
2. Kohl
Now, let’s talk eyes—because Cleopatra's kohl eyeliner wasn’t just for making a statement (though, let’s be real, she did make a statement). Sure, we all love a bold winged look, but Cleopatra’s eyeliner was far more functional than today’s trendy products. Her kohl was made from crushed minerals and soot, and she applied it generously around her eyes—not just for drama, but to protect her from the harsh Egyptian sun. It also had antibacterial properties that helped prevent eye infections. So, while we’re all worried about finding that perfect liquid liner, Cleopatra was busy using makeup to protect her health and her empire. Efficiency? She wrote the book on it.
3. Honey Face Masks
Cleopatra is sitting in her palace, prepping for an evening banquet, and she slathers her face with honey. Honey. And we’re not talking about some trendy jar of organic honey from a farmer’s market. She used the real deal—raw, natural honey that’s packed with antimicrobial properties. Cleopatra would apply it to her skin as a mask because it naturally moisturized and helped with healing. It’s hydrating, soothing, and packed with antioxidants—basically everything your skin is begging for after a few too many late nights watching Netflix. I mean, we’re still trying to figure out why honey is so effective, and Cleopatra was using it like it was the beauty equivalent of a magic potion.
4. Rosewater
If you ever thought rosewater was just a trendy “wellness” product, think again. Cleopatra was using rosewater long before it was bottled in cute glass jars with gold caps. She used it as a facial toner, to balance her skin’s pH and hydrate her complexion. But that’s not all. Rosewater was also part of her scent arsenal—helping her leave behind a subtle but memorable trail of fragrance. Imagine this: Cleopatra would walk into a room, and the air would literally smell like royalty. Forget about spritzing yourself with some expensive perfume you can’t pronounce; Cleopatra had her own signature scent—and it wasn’t made of synthetic chemicals. Just roses and the best skincare technology that nature could offer. Jealous yet?
5. Olive Oil
If you think olive oil is just for your salad or a Mediterranean diet, think again. Cleopatra was the original advocate for olive oil as a multitasking beauty product. She didn’t just use it for cooking; she used it to moisturize her skin and hair, and even as a cleanser. Talk about making things easy. Olive oil has been recognized for its ability to hydrate and nourish, and Cleopatra knew that a little goes a long way when it comes to glowing, soft skin. It’s rich in antioxidants and fatty acids—basically, the fancy stuff that today’s beauty products still try to imitate. So, while we're spending big bucks on fancy oils and creams, Cleopatra was living the dream with her all-in-one solution. Go ahead, take notes.
6. Fragrant Oils for Hair
Now, we know Cleopatra wasn’t exactly struggling with hair issues. She was probably the type who woke up with perfect waves every day (seriously, if that were me, I'd be furious). But Cleopatra was about more than just having healthy hair—she made sure it smelled amazing. Cleopatra used essential oils, including jasmine, myrrh, and cinnamon, to scent her hair. It wasn’t just about leaving a trail of divine fragrance—it was about having hair that moved in a way that made every entrance memorable. Forget dry shampoo—Cleopatra’s hair smelled like royalty and turned heads wherever she went. Haircare? Check. Perfume? Double check.
Cleopatra was more than just a pretty face. She was a brilliant strategist, a political genius, and—let’s not forget—an absolute beauty icon.
1. Cleopatra's Milk Baths
Milk Bath
( Image credit : Timeslife )
Cleopatra’s famous milk baths are the stuff of legend. We’re talking about gallons of goat’s milk in a giant tub. You might think, “Okay, that sounds like something you'd do at a spa retreat.” Well, yes and no. While it sounds luxurious, she wasn’t just getting a little pampering. Cleopatra was soaking in the lactic acid that’s naturally found in milk, which exfoliates the skin and leaves it as smooth as silk. Think of it as a DIY facial—except way more indulgent. It wasn’t just about feeling royal; it was about getting glowing skin that could launch an empire. Modern skincare brands are still trying to get that milk-derived glow, but good luck finding a tub this big or a milk supply that divine.
2. Kohl
Eye Makeup
( Image credit : Timeslife )
Now, let’s talk eyes—because Cleopatra's kohl eyeliner wasn’t just for making a statement (though, let’s be real, she did make a statement). Sure, we all love a bold winged look, but Cleopatra’s eyeliner was far more functional than today’s trendy products. Her kohl was made from crushed minerals and soot, and she applied it generously around her eyes—not just for drama, but to protect her from the harsh Egyptian sun. It also had antibacterial properties that helped prevent eye infections. So, while we’re all worried about finding that perfect liquid liner, Cleopatra was busy using makeup to protect her health and her empire. Efficiency? She wrote the book on it.
3. Honey Face Masks
Honeycomb
( Image credit : Timeslife )
Cleopatra is sitting in her palace, prepping for an evening banquet, and she slathers her face with honey. Honey. And we’re not talking about some trendy jar of organic honey from a farmer’s market. She used the real deal—raw, natural honey that’s packed with antimicrobial properties. Cleopatra would apply it to her skin as a mask because it naturally moisturized and helped with healing. It’s hydrating, soothing, and packed with antioxidants—basically everything your skin is begging for after a few too many late nights watching Netflix. I mean, we’re still trying to figure out why honey is so effective, and Cleopatra was using it like it was the beauty equivalent of a magic potion.
4. Rosewater
Rose Water
( Image credit : Timeslife )
If you ever thought rosewater was just a trendy “wellness” product, think again. Cleopatra was using rosewater long before it was bottled in cute glass jars with gold caps. She used it as a facial toner, to balance her skin’s pH and hydrate her complexion. But that’s not all. Rosewater was also part of her scent arsenal—helping her leave behind a subtle but memorable trail of fragrance. Imagine this: Cleopatra would walk into a room, and the air would literally smell like royalty. Forget about spritzing yourself with some expensive perfume you can’t pronounce; Cleopatra had her own signature scent—and it wasn’t made of synthetic chemicals. Just roses and the best skincare technology that nature could offer. Jealous yet?
5. Olive Oil
Olive
( Image credit : Timeslife )
If you think olive oil is just for your salad or a Mediterranean diet, think again. Cleopatra was the original advocate for olive oil as a multitasking beauty product. She didn’t just use it for cooking; she used it to moisturize her skin and hair, and even as a cleanser. Talk about making things easy. Olive oil has been recognized for its ability to hydrate and nourish, and Cleopatra knew that a little goes a long way when it comes to glowing, soft skin. It’s rich in antioxidants and fatty acids—basically, the fancy stuff that today’s beauty products still try to imitate. So, while we're spending big bucks on fancy oils and creams, Cleopatra was living the dream with her all-in-one solution. Go ahead, take notes.
6. Fragrant Oils for Hair
Hair Fragrance
( Image credit : Timeslife )
Now, we know Cleopatra wasn’t exactly struggling with hair issues. She was probably the type who woke up with perfect waves every day (seriously, if that were me, I'd be furious). But Cleopatra was about more than just having healthy hair—she made sure it smelled amazing. Cleopatra used essential oils, including jasmine, myrrh, and cinnamon, to scent her hair. It wasn’t just about leaving a trail of divine fragrance—it was about having hair that moved in a way that made every entrance memorable. Forget dry shampoo—Cleopatra’s hair smelled like royalty and turned heads wherever she went. Haircare? Check. Perfume? Double check.
Cleopatra was more than just a pretty face. She was a brilliant strategist, a political genius, and—let’s not forget—an absolute beauty icon.