Ancient Egyptian

Kohl-rimmed eyes (to ward off evil/sun), green malachite eyeshadow, ochre lips.

Ancient Egyptian makeup is a bold, historically inspired look characterized by heavily kohl-rimmed eyes, vibrant crushed-gemstone eyeshadows, and warm earthy lips. Originally worn to protect against the sun and ward off evil, its most striking feature is the thick, opaque black eyeliner that stretches dramatically past both the outer corners and tear ducts. Today, this highly graphic, theatrical style is perfect for costume events or editorial shoots where a regal, striking appearance is desired.

To create the Ancient Egyptian makeup look, start with a flawless matte base and subtle bronze contour. Pack a bold green shadow across the lids to mimic malachite pigment. Frame the eyes with heavy black gel liner, extending dramatically at both the inner and outer corners, and finish with straight brows and a warm, rusty-brown matte lip.

Full Look Eyes Lips Historic Graphic Bold Costume/Theme Theatrical

~18 min 6 steps 11 products

The Kit

Matte Foundation
Damp Makeup Sponge
Warm Matte Bronzer
Bold Green Shimmer Eyeshadow
Flat Packer Brush
Black Gel Eyeliner
Fine Detail Brush
Dark Matte Brow Pomade
Angled Brow Brush
Terracotta Lip Liner
Rusty-Brown Matte Liquid Lipstick

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How to Create Ancient Egyptian

Even The Complexion

Apply a matte foundation using a damp makeup sponge to create a flawless canvas. Sweep a warm matte bronzer under the cheekbones to add subtle warmth and structure to the face.
Apply Malachite Shadow

Pack a bold green shimmer eyeshadow over the entire eyelid using a flat packer brush. Blend the edges softly upwards toward the brow bone to mimic crushed malachite pigment.
Draw Graphic Eyeliner

Heavily rim the upper and lower lash lines with black gel eyeliner. Use a fine detail brush to extend the outer corner into a thick, straight, elongated wing.
Extend Inner Corners

Drag the black gel eyeliner sharply down past the tear duct pointing toward the nose. Ensure the line is crisp and opaque to replicate ancient kohl techniques.
Define The Brows

Fill in the eyebrows heavily with a dark matte brow pomade and an angled brow brush. Elongate the tail of the brow straight outwards so it runs parallel to the winged eyeliner.
Paint Ochre Lips

Outline the lips with a terracotta lip liner to build a sharp, defined shape. Fill in the entire lip with a warm rusty-brown matte liquid lipstick to emulate historical ochre pigments.

Pro Tips

To keep the dramatic inner and outer eyeliner sharp all night, set your black gel liner by gently pressing a matte black eyeshadow over it with a flat, angled brush.
Map out your extended eyeliner and elongated brows with a light concealer or nude eye pencil first to ensure they run perfectly parallel before committing to the black pomade or gel.
Since the eye look is heavily pigmented and prone to fallout, apply your green shadow and graphic liner before laying down your foundation to keep your complexion completely clean.

Common Questions

What does Ancient Egyptian makeup look like?

It features heavily kohl-rimmed eyes with thick, elongated wings, striking green eyeshadow, and warm terracotta lips. The brows are also typically painted dark and straight to mirror the graphic eyeliner.

What products do I need for an Ancient Egyptian makeup look?

You will need a full-coverage matte foundation, bold green shimmer eyeshadow, an opaque black gel eyeliner, a dark brow pomade, and a terracotta or rusty-brown liquid lipstick. Precise brushes, like a fine detail brush and an angled brow brush, are strictly essential for creating the crisp graphic lines.

Is the Ancient Egyptian makeup look good for beginners?

Because this look requires extremely precise, symmetrical line work and heavy pigmentation, it is considered advanced and may challenge beginners. It demands a steady hand and patience, making it best suited for theatrical occasions or costume parties.

Why did Ancient Egyptians wear such heavy eyeliner?

The iconic, heavy kohl eyeliner served both practical and spiritual purposes, protecting the eyes from the harsh sun and repelling insects. It was also believed to ward off the 'Evil Eye' and invoke the protection of the gods.

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