In Ancient Egypt, what was one use of cosmetics?

In Ancient Egypt, cosmetics played a significant role in both personal aesthetics and religious practices, particularly in the context of preparing individuals for burial. The use of cosmetics for personal beauty was a common practice among both men and women, as they adorned themselves with various products to enhance their appearance. Eye makeup, such as kohl, was particularly popular and served to create striking looks while also offering some protection against the sun's glare.

Additionally, the application of cosmetics was deeply intertwined with burial practices. Egyptians believed that proper preparation of the body for the afterlife was essential, and cosmetics were used in mummification processes. This included the application of oils and perfumes to preserve the body and make it presentable in the next life. Thus, cosmetics served a dual purpose — enhancing beauty in life and preparing the deceased for their journey into the afterlife, embodying significant cultural beliefs about death and the afterlife.