This post looks at some of the best ancient beauty rituals, secrets, and ingredients from the old world, and how they can be used in skincare today.
Who says modern science holds the key to revealing our most beautiful selves? Women have been primping and pampering long before the microdermabrasion wand was invented – and the ancient world contains some of the best beauty rituals and ingredients we can still use today.
Bring out your inner Cleopatra, make like a Polynesian princess, or channel the allure of a geisha with these ancient beauty rituals and secrets.
6 Ancient Beauty Rituals And Secrets
1. Greece – Rose Water
Throughout history, perhaps the most important step to any women’s (and even men’s) beauty routine was moisturizing. In ancient Greece, women would regularly hydrate their skin with rose water, whether it was a bath or a quick splash on their face.
Try using a rose water facial spray for a quick and easy mist of moisture throughout the day.
2. Hawaii – Kona Coffee
Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially, and ancient Hawaiians definitely knew how to make use of this priceless crop. Kona coffee grounds were often used for exfoliating the skin, sloughing away dead skin cells, and boosting circulation.
We mean, have you ever wondered why Polynesians have such flawless skin despite being in the sun all day? Create the same glowing look with regular exfoliation sessions in the shower.
3. Thailand – Pueraria Mirifica
The people of ancient Thailand discovered the wonders of phytoestrogens and pueraria mirifica – nicknamed “the miracle herb” – long before the western world was privy to its beautifying properties.
Particularly known for its bust-enhancing benefits, pueraria mirifica is a key ingredient in Cheeky Physique’s Sublime Bust. Massage this lightweight serum into your chest daily to experience a firmer, fuller, and more youthful-looking bustline.
4. France – Moisturizing Gloves
She may not technically qualify as “ancient,” but one of Marie Antoinette’s beauty practices bears repeating. Knowing that hands can be a telltale sign of aging, this iconic queen would wear gloves to bed every night after slathering her hands with a selection of oils, beeswax and perfumes.
To wake up with the silky soft hands of a French monarch, apply a rich moisturizer and slip your hands into a pair of super soft gloves for a concentrated dose of hydration while you sleep.
5. Egypt – Luxury Baths
Almost everyone has heard about Cleopatra’s famous milk and honey baths. Many ancient Egyptians would partake in the same type of bath, but it wasn’t just about the ingredients they added to their bathwater – it was about the ritual of bathing itself.
Taking time to slow down, relax, and pamper themselves. Take a break from your daily stresses and indulge in a luxurious and skin-softening bath of your own with add-ins such as flower petals, bath oils, and fizzy bath bombs.
6. China and Japan – Camellia Japonica Oil
Rich in nutrients and skin-firming properties, camellia japonica oil was a favorite beauty ingredient in ancient China and Japan (there’s a reason why it’s called “the geisha’s beauty secret”).
Give this Far East gem a try with Cheeky Physique’s Contour Sleek. After your shower, or an Egyptian-inspired soak in the tub, massage this silky oil into your skin to firm its appearance, reduce the look of cellulite, and make your natural curves even more alluring.
