The Use of Cosmetics in Bible TImes

 After bathing, the woman applies some fragrant oil over her softened skin.  Then she opens a colorfully ornamented box that contains a collection of small bottles, vases, and jars made of glass, ivory or shell, or stone.  In them she has an assortment of oils and perfumes that are delicately scented with balsam, cardamom, cinnamon, frankincense, honey, and myrrh,  and the like.

From the box, the woman takes out several delicately shaped spoons, dishes, and bowls.  Using them, she mixes the cosmetics she has chosen for the day.  Peering into a bronze mirror, she carefully proceeds with her beauty regimen.

 IT SEEMS that since the earliest of times, women have been interested in making themselves beautiful .  Early tomb paintings, frescoes, and mosaics  all suggest that the use of cosmetics was widespread among people in Mesopotamia and Egypt.  The heavily made up, almond-shaped eyes seen on images of Egyptian women  were much admired.

What, though, about the Israelites?  Did women of ancient Israel  use cosmetics?  And if so, what kind?  There are, of course, no tomb paintings or frescoes from ancient Israel that we can refer to.  But  certain accounts in the Bible along with various archaeological artifacts unearthed in Bible lands can provide at least a glimpse of the use of cosmetics in Bible times. 

Next time: The Use of Cosmetics in Bible Times - The Tools Used

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