How to look beautiful

Throughout history, people, particularly women, have striven to enhance their appearance. Justin Pollard reveals the tricks employed in the past, from toxic make-up to tattoos and early plastic surgery

LIFE HACK #10 From Helen of Troy’s ‘face that launched 1,000 ships’ to the outlandish hair styles of Marie Antoinette, beauty has played a major part in history – but what can the past offer us by way of beauty tips? Cosmetics were applied by Egyptian men and women at least 7,000 years ago. As well as their famous kohl eyeliner, they also used incense oils to soften the skin, lipsticks made pearlescent with fish scales, and white sunblock to protect their skin from the harsh summer Sun. EASTERN AESTHETICS Chinese Han people also aspired to white skin, to distinguish wealthy ladies from the tanned labouring classes. Facial rouge, nail polish and even the shape of lips, traced with lipstick, could also define a woman’s status, notably during the Tang…

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History Revealed (Digital) - 1 Issue, January 2024

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