Ancient Egypt
No other country or culture was so concerned with beautification as was Egypt. Cleopatra the VII has also written a book of beauty secrets. Even today Egyptian glass perfume vials decorate many a classic dressing table and the herb Aloe, so ingrained in ancient Egyptian beauty treatments, is still a vital ingredient in most skin-care creams.
Body Oil
THEY DIDN'T USE SOAP!!!!!
Oils and creams were very important against the hot sun and dry, sandy winds. The oils kept skin soft and supple and prevented ailments caused by dry cracked skin. Workers considered these oils and ointments to be a vital part of their regular wages such that when they were withheld, grievances were filed during the reign of Ramesses III. The Egyptians were quite fond of strong scents. A great variety of oils and fats were available for perfumes. The most popular was the basic oil called balanos, among the lower class it was castor oil.
If body oil is not a daily part of your bathing ritual, perhaps its time you made it so. The heat, dust and pollution of our times plays havoc with our skin. Ever wondered why Egyptian women were renowned for their alabaster skin Records show that all women, from the richest to the most destitute used body oil in huge quantities. In fact, sufficient body oil for daily use was often issued as part of wages!
Egyptian Anti-wrinke cream recipe
1 tsp sweet almond oil
2 drops of Frankincense essential oil or Rose Attar.
Mix these ingredients together and you have an excellent anti-wrinkle cream. Cleanse your face and apply this to your face at night. Massage it in your skin gently for about 5 minutes, and wash off the next morning.
Almonds
Bitter or sweet almond oil were the most common ingredients of Egyptian cosmetics, and are excellent for the skin. Use pure almond oil as an under-eye cream and keep crows-feet at bay. Almond oil is also excellent for your hair. Mix almond and coconut oil to your hair and wash it off after an hour, for excellent results.
Body Oil
Try this: After bathing, pour a teaspoon of almond oil into a mug of water and pour it over your body as a final rinse.
PERSONAL NOTE: I smear a layer of oil on top of whatever skin product I am using. On top of creams or serums, I will add a layer of oil.
