Beyond Decoration

Egyptian cosmetics weren't only decorative. They served medical, spiritual, and social roles at the same time. Going without eye paint was as unthinkable as going without clothing, and the ritual of applying it linked the wearer to specific gods.

Cosmetics were valued enough to count as pay. Workers at the royal tomb village of Deir el-Medina received kohl and oils as part of their regular wages, right alongside bread and beer.