Ancient Egyptian cosmetics: 'Magical' makeup may have been medicine for eye disease. ScienceDaily . Retrieved June 3, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2010 / 01 / 100111112845.htm ...

The ancient Egyptian royals sure loved their eye makeup. Look at Queen Nefertiti up there.. The ancients believed their makeup not only looked good, but protected them against health problems.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2010 — There's more to the eye makeup that gave Queen Nefertiti and other ancient Egyptian royals those stupendous gazes and legendary beauty than meets the eye.

According to ancient Egyptian manuscripts, the eye makeup was believed to have a magical role, in which the gods Horus and Ra would protect wearers against several illnesses.

The elaborate eye makeup worn by Queen Nefertiti and other ancient Egyptians was believed to have healing powers, conjuring up the protection of the Gods Horus and Ra and warding off illnesses.

You don't need to be a professional makeup artist (or Adele) to pull off one of beauty's most time-honored techniques. Here, Vogue’s cat eye makeup tutorial.