In no other country or culture of the ancient world was the concern with beautfication and body care as extensive as that of ancient Kemet. Egyptian interest in beauty transcended time - it was not restricted to a specific period or dynasty or even to the living. Exfoliants, depilatories, anti-wrinkle cream, methods for the elimination of stretch-marks, halitosis and unpleasant body odors were all concerns and creations of ancient Egypt.

Cosmetic implements, particularly eye-make-up palettes, have been discovered in the earliest graves. Cleopatra VII, last of the Ptolemies, was herself credited with writing a book of beauty secrets, an art that she was universally acknowledged as mastering. Vestiges of the ancient Egyptians' concerns with beauty and body care linger even today. Modern Egyptian glass perfume vials may be as treasured and coveted today as were the carved alabaster unguent pots of distant ages. American shampoo manufacturers sing the praises and virtues of Egyptian Henna and Aloe.

Egyptian concerns with beauty and body care transcended economic status as well. Although many of the artifacts that we are able to analyze today derive from the upper classes - Kohl tubes bearing the names of Nefertiti and her daughters have been found, for instance. Body care was considered a prerequisite for all Egyptians. Cosmetics and body care were a common daily concern cutting across all society divisions, just as they do today. Body care was no triviality, but a central part of daily and economic life.

Ancient Egyptian concerns with beauty and body care transcended gender lines. Women and men both used cosmetics and body oils. The need for skin protection and mositurizers in a hot, arid climate was perceived as necessary for both genders. Both sexes, of all classes, oiled their bodies regularly. Many of their ancient formulae remain to us: while some were obviously targeted towards women (there were several suggestions for the removal of stretch marks following pregnancy), the many suggestions for stimulating hair growth and eliminating bald-spots were probably directed largely towards men. The earliest graves contain cosmetic implements, not only eye palettes but also tweezers and razors. Wig boxes have been found in graves, the remains of ancient wig factories located.

Our extensive knowledge of the Egyptians' beauty regimes can be credited to their burial customs and also to the arid climate which preserves artifacts so well.