Research Paper on:
Cosmetology of Ancient Egypt

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
to overlook the Ancient Egyptian trendsetters who set in motion several practices that remain as prominent now as they did thousands of years ago. The female form has long  challenged the aspect of beauty, with myriad global cultures applying the tenets of attractiveness as they believe them to exist. For the Ancient Egyptians, physical transformation in the form  of body art meant more than mere outward enhancement; rather, hennas, tattoos and other implements of improvement had significant traditional implications. Indeed, the preoccupation with ones appearance has spanned  the ages and has only grown with intensity since the first recorded tattoo. "Body decoration, whether tattoos, henna or kohl, [has] always been a form of religious, national or  cultural self- expression" (Sarna 15). The Ancient Egyptians - women in particular - were highly aware of their physical appearance in many respects;  not only did they decorate their faces but they also developed ways in which to eliminate stretch marks, reduce wrinkle and fade scars. Clearly, there is no question that  "beauty and self-confidence were important to the ancient Egyptians" (Beauty and Fashion in Ancient Egypt). To adorn oneself with such ancient cosmetics as iron oxides for cheek blush and  malachite for eye shadow - a green copper ore that represented fertility - was to avail oneself to the tenets of tradition. Likewise, adorning ones eyes held both magical  and medicinal meaning, with the dark gray Galena keeping one from the repercussions of the Evil Eye while at the same time providing protection as a disinfectant and fly deterrent  (Beauty and Fashion in Ancient Egypt). With all the invasive impact upon ones skin, particularly in regard to tattooing, it was essential to adopt the proper hygienic practice in order