Egyptian Men Wore Makeup

Both men and women in ancient Egypt wore kohl around their eyes and malachite on their lids every day. Far from vanity, these cosmetics worked as sun protection, insect repellent, and religious ritual. Appearance signaled social status, and a bare face was seen as uncivilized.

The dark kohl lines served a practical purpose first: they cut the glare of the desert sun, much like the black smudges athletes wear under their eyes today. The heavy black outlines around the eyes of pharaohs in every painting were functional long before they were fashionable.