Timeless Beauty Rituals That Still Inspire Us Today

 

Ancient Egypt: The Birthplace of Iconic Beauty

In Ancient Egypt, beauty was deeply intertwined with health, spirituality, and social standing. Kohl lined eyes, shaped into dramatic almond silhouettes, were not only considered captivating but also protective against harsh sunlight and evil spirits. Red ochre pigments colored lips, while fragrant oils kept skin supple in the desert climate. (source. source. source)

Modern inspiration: The cat-eye eyeliner trend remains one of beauty’s most enduring looks, while natural oils like castor and almond are still used for hydration.

Try this: Kohl eyeliner, nourishing oils, honey-based skincare.

• Winged eyeliner: Lancome Idole Ultra Liner, Nyx Epic Liner

• Red ochre lips (modern dupe): Pound Cake - Cake Batter Lipstick in Maraschino Cherry

• Castor oil: Castor Oil 

• Honey face mask: Farmacy Honey Potion Mask

Classical Greece & Rome: Harmony and Glow

The Greeks and Romans viewed beauty as a reflection of symmetry, proportion, and balance, the physical embodiment of philosophical ideals! Women enhanced their natural features with minimal pigments, favoring fresh, glowing skin achieved through olive oil moisturizers and gentle exfoliation. (source)

Modern inspiration: The “no-makeup makeup” look and dewy skin serums echo this era’s preference for natural radiance. 

Try this: Dewy skin, minimal makeup, olive oil beauty rituals. 

• Dewy skin serum: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops 

• No-makeup makeup foundation: It Cosmetics CC Tinted Moisturizer 

• Olive oil for hair: Keihls Olive Oil Hair Mask

• Gentle exfoliant: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 

Renaissance Europe: The Era of Pale Perfection

In Renaissance Europe, pale, porcelain-like skin was synonymous with wealth, as it suggested a life free from outdoor labor. Women applied lead based powders (totally unaware of the dangers) and used subtle blush to mimic a healthy flush. Lips were often tinted with rose-based balms to create the idealized “rosebud” pout. (source)(source)

Try this: Soft-focus makeup, cream blushes, and hydrating primers capture the luminous, romantic look, all without the toxic powders!

• Cream blush: Glow Recipe Dewy Flush 

• Hydrating primer: Benefit Cosmetics Pore-fessional Primer

• Soft-focus powder: Huda Beauty Baking Powder in Cherry Blossom

• Rose lip balm:Lawless Beauty Forget The Filler Lip Balm in Cherry Vanilla

The Roaring 1920s: Glamour and Rebellion

The 1920s marked a seismic shift in beauty ideals, fueled by social liberation and artistic experimentation. Women embraced shorter hair, smoky eyes, and dramatic cupid’s bow lips, rejecting the restrained styles of the previous century. This era was about freedom, personal, political, and aesthetic. (source)

Modern inspiration: Graphic eyeliner, bold lipstick shades, and finger waves offer a nod to the fearless flapper spirit. 

Try this: A modernized smoky eye with a soft shimmer to balance drama with wearability, paired with bold lips and vintage waves.

• Red lipstick: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl 

• Smoky eyeshadow palette: Urban Decay Naked Palette

• Wave hair tool: Conair Double Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver 

• Vintage hair pins: Madewell Hair Pins Set 

Global Influence: Timeless Beauty Beyond the West

While Western beauty history often takes the spotlight, global traditions hold equally powerful influence: 

Japan: Geishas used rice water to brighten skin and camellia oil for glossy hair. 

India: Ayurveda championed turmeric masks and herbal oils for holistic beauty. 

Africa: Shea butter, kohl, and natural pigments have been used for centuries to protect and enhance. 

Today, these traditions inspire global beauty brands that merge ancient wisdom with modern innovation. 

• Rice water toner: I’m From Rice Water Toner

• Camellia oil: Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil 

• Turmeric face mask: Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask 

• Shea butter: Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter 

From the sacred to the rebellious, beauty rituals throughout history reveal that trends are never truly lost, because they evolve, adapt, and resurface. Every serum, palette, and lipstick on our shelves carries an echo of the past, reminding us that beauty is a story we inherit and rewrite. 

Question for you: Which era’s beauty rituals resonate most with your personal style? Share in the comments or let me know via instagram, and let’s create a modern day beauty time capsule together!