We’ve all seen the elaborate beauty rituals on TikTok, with influencers smearing various oils, serums, and powders in ways that can only be described as art. But before all these modern-day beauty hacks, our ancestors were out here doing some pretty wacky stuff to keep their skin glowing and their hair shiny. From Cleopatra’s elaborate face masks to ancient Chinese jade rollers, these beauty routines have one thing in common: they were unconventional, messy, and might just make you wonder what they were thinking (in a good way, of course).
So, let’s take a fun dive into beauty rituals from ancient times, proving that your grandma’s beauty tips probably aren’t as outrageous as you think!
1. Cleopatra’s Milk Bath: The OG Skin Glow
Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen we all secretly wish we were, is rumored to have bathed in milk to keep her skin smooth and radiant. Yes, you read that right. Cleopatra was dipping into whole milk (probably from a cow, though history might not tell us for sure) as part of her skincare routine. She believed that lactic acid helped to exfoliate her skin and keep it soft. While this sounds like something out of a medieval fantasy novel, turns out Cleopatra was onto something — lactic acid is still a powerhouse in modern-day skincare for exfoliation.
But why stop at milk when you can get fancy with other natural alternatives? Companies like MilkMakeup are now offering cruelty-free, oat-based or milk-infused skincare products that promise similar results without having to wade through a tub of moo juice. Trust the queen to be ahead of her time.
2. The Greeks and Their Honey Obsession: Sweet Skin, Literally
The Greeks were absolutely obsessed with honey — no, seriously. They used it as a cleanser, moisturizer, and even as a treatment for acne. Honey has natural antibacterial properties, making it an ancient beauty hack that’s still relevant today. The sweetness didn’t just end with Cleopatra, either. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, believed honey could cure everything from digestive problems to skin issues.
Even today, honey is a key ingredient in beauty routines, from face masks to lip balms. If you’re looking for a more modern take on this, brands like Burt’s Bees and Lush are keeping this ancient beauty secret alive in their product lines. Just don’t try eating it off your face (unless you’re into that).
3. Ancient Chinese Jade Rollers: Facial Massage That’s 2,000 Years Old
Move over, ice rollers. Ancient Chinese beauty practices were already incorporating stone-based tools for facial massages way back in the day. Enter the jade roller, a tool that’s still popular in the skincare world for its calming and de-puffing effects. The jade roller was believed to not only stimulate circulation but also promote the flow of Qi (energy) in the body. You know, just a little ancient Chinese wellness magic, nothing major.
These days, jade rollers are still all the rage for their soothing effect. If you haven’t added one to your skincare arsenal yet, brands like Herbivore Botanicals and Mount Lai are offering beautiful jade rollers that make your face feel like a luxury spa treatment — without needing an emperor’s salary.
4. Roman Baths: Where Skincare Met Social Hour
In Ancient Rome, beauty was a communal affair. The Romans loved their public baths, and it was here that they would scrub, soak, and gossip about the latest gladiator fights. But their beauty rituals went beyond just lounging in hot water — Romans used oils, perfumes, and salts to pamper their skin. They’d even scrub their bodies with a special tool called a “strigil” (which looked suspiciously like a curved metal scraper).
Romans believed that olive oil could remove dirt and dead skin cells, while perfumes were used to mask the not-so-glamorous odors of their public baths. Modern-day skincare brands like Olive & M and Josie Maran (hello, argan oil!) have carried this tradition into the present, offering luxurious oil-based products that hydrate and glow up your skin like a Roman emperor.
5. The Victorians and Their Hair Curling Madness
If you thought curling your hair was a modern invention, think again! The Victorian era was obsessed with intricate hairstyles, and no self-respecting lady would be caught without perfectly curled locks. However, this wasn’t as simple as using a curling iron and some hairspray. No, Victorian women would curl their hair using everything from heated metal rods to wire curlers, and sometimes even sleep in their curlers overnight. Talk about dedication (and sore scalp).
These days, we’re all about convenience. If you’re looking for a modern take on these old-school techniques, check out Dyson for their futuristic airwrap and curlers that make achieving voluminous curls a lot less painful.
6. Ancient Mayans and the Power of Avocados
Long before avocado toast became a brunch favorite, the Ancient Mayans were already onto the magical skin benefits of this creamy fruit. They used mashed avocado as a moisturizer, face mask, and even as a treatment for dry skin. Avocado is packed with healthy fats, which is likely why it was so sought after in beauty routines.
Fast-forward to today, and the avocado obsession is still going strong. Kiehl’s and The Ordinary both offer nourishing avocado-based products that promise to moisturize and hydrate your skin like a modern-day Mayan ritual. Who knew guacamole was also a skincare essential?
7. Ancient Egyptians and Their Kohl Eyeliner: Bold, Dramatic, and Timeless
The Egyptians were some of the original trendsetters when it came to dramatic makeup. They loved their kohl eyeliner, applying it thick and bold to both their upper and lower lids. But it wasn’t just for looks — it was believed to have protective and medicinal properties, helping to ward off the evil eye (and maybe some eye infections, too).
Today, kohl eyeliner is still a staple for those who love bold eye makeup. NARS and Urban Decay have taken this ancient beauty trend and turned it into a modern must-have, offering long-lasting formulas that bring drama to your eyes (without needing a pyramid to store them).
Beauty Rituals of the Past: A Lesson in Ageless Glamour
From Cleopatra’s milk baths to the Victorians’ hair curling obsession, it’s clear that beauty rituals have always been a reflection of culture, innovation, and, well, some pretty wild ideas. But despite how outrageous some of these practices seem today, many ancient beauty tools and ingredients are still highly effective — and they’ve evolved into the luxury products we use today.
So the next time you’re slathering on your skincare or curling your hair, remember: you’re following in the footsteps of beauty legends who weren’t afraid to get a little unconventional. After all, beauty isn’t just about looking good — it’s about embracing the weird, the wonderful, and the weirdly wonderful!
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