Cleopatra Beauty Secrets or How To Stay Pretty as an Ancient Queen
She is still a legend of her times, thousands of years later.
Researched, written by 
Amber & The Team
Updated on December 16, 2022
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The Ancients recognized the power and beauty of Cleopatra. Plutarch wrote in his Life of Antony that her beauty affected even Pompey and Caesar! Cleopatra was an incredibly beautiful woman, and one of the most famous and interesting women in history. She is still a legend of her times today.
Now, the most famous Cleopatra beauty secrets may surprise you. Cleopatra was the real queen both of Egypt and DIY beauty rituals that contained nourishing, natural ingredients. In this article, we’re taking a look at a few famous Cleopatra beauty secrets that helped her stun the world in ancient times.
Donkey milk
Did you know that Cleopatra’s daily bath rituals included donkey milk? There were 700 donkeys in her household, and her daily baths required at least seven of them!
Donkey milk, a hydrating beauty ingredient, was said to have regenerating properties. It was perfect for skin that tended to become dry and wrinkly in a harsh and hot climate. Here’s why – donkey milk is highly nutritious and contains essential fatty acids that reduce the appearance of fine lines and regenerate damaged skin. The ancient Egyptian queen used it to prevent wrinkles, improve her skin texture, and brighten her complexion. In ancient Egypt, donkey milk was also used as a source of nourishment for babies.
Donkey milk is considered one of the most ancient beauty secrets and, surprisingly, it is now making a modern comeback – just not in the form of baths. Even though donkey milk was once considered a luxurious beauty product, today it is more of a popular superfood. Donkey milk contains large amounts of the antibacterial enzyme Lysozyme. It is also high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important for the skin’s moisture barrier. The nutrient content is also outstanding, with plenty of Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin E. Donkey milk is also a great antioxidant, with more vitamin C than cow’s milk.
The ancient Egyptian queen also used donkey milk as a skincare ingredient. It is gentle enough to be applied to sensitive skin and is extremely effective as a skin cleanser and moisturizer.
Honey, Oatmeal & Grapes
The queen of Egypt had a unique skincare routine at that time, and lots of them included honey. Even today, we can reap the benefits of honey as a natural beauty cleanser and skin moisturizer. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and important fatty acids, making it a great skincare ingredient.
Cleopatra’s servants also used an oatmeal and donkey milk scrub to keep her skin supple and looking fresh.
A popular Cleopatra beauty secret is a grape facial. Grapes contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that promote good skin health. To make your own Cleopatra-style grape facial, you simply need a cup of crushed green grapes and a tablespoon of honey. Mix the two ingredients and massage your face for fifteen minutes. This facial is also effective at removing tan. If done correctly, it can also make you look a bit younger.
Apple cider vinegar
The ancient Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, was known for her beautiful skin. Some sources claim that Cleopatra applied a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water as a facial toner. This sour tonic stimulated blood circulation, which in turn made her skin look fresh and beautiful.
Her skincare ideas were equally impressive!
- Besides apple cider vinegar, she used facial masks made from ambrette oil derived from the seeds of Fenugreek.
- Cleopatra also used rose water to tone and moisturize her skin.
- She also used honey, goose-fat, and turpentine to enhance her beauty rituals.
- She used almond oil – a rich source of mandelic acid, which is present in most chemical peels today.
- Cleopatra also mixed castor oil with honey to moisturize her skin and hair. This ancient beauty secret remains one of the most popular beauty secrets today.
- Other Cleopatra’s beauty secrets include using red ochre and fat to color Cleopatra’s lips, and celery and hemp to soothe her eyes.
- She also used antimony sulfide to darken her nails and eyebrows.
Regardless of the origins, Cleopatra beauty secrets are as authentic as they are impressive. She was known as the most beautiful woman in ancient history, and her skin and hair were amazingly well-groomed. Must be easy with 700 donkeys hanging around, eh!
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