As part of my research for the sequel to Even Gods Are Blind, I have been focusing on how Claudia can fit into her new role and look the part… no spoilers! I am already quite familiar with the fashions of that period but I wanted to read more about how rich women cared for themselves. I picked up my copy of The Love Poems by Ovid as he has a amusing section for just that thing.
Ovid, a renowned Roman poet, penned the poem “Medicamina Faciei Femineae” (Cosmetics for Women) as part of his larger work, “Ars Amatoria” (The Art of Love). In this poem, Ovid offers advice to women on how to enhance their beauty and allure.
While the poem is a witty satire, it still gives us glimpse into what the Roman woman of the elite classes might have considered essential for self-care.
Ovid’s Beauty Tips
Ovid’s “Cosmetics for Women” provides a detailed guide to beauty practices in ancient Rome. Some of his most notable recommendations include:
- Skin Care: Ovid advised women to use a variety of creams and ointments to soften and smooth their skin. He also recommended using white lead to lighten the skin, a practice that was considered desirable in ancient Roman society, a mark that one didn’t labour under the sun, like the lower classes. Here is a list of but a few of the ingredients used in his skin creams:
So there is nothing there, that is really surprising. He does mention white lead, stag antlers, salt, myrrh and beans. I would be reluctant to try the lead but the rest sound like things you could probably find on a DIY skin care recipe on TikTok. I know there are recipes out there that called for dried animal dung but Ovid didn’t include any of that, thank goodness.
- Hair Care: Hair was considered a symbol of beauty and femininity, while not mentioned in the cosmetics poem beyond scenting it and changing the style, Ovid had very strong feelings about all the things his lover does to her hair, (Amores 1.14) resulting in it being damaged by the repeated use of dye and heated tongs. He then suggests she has no choice but to wear a wig made from German slave hair. (Since blond hair was all the rage then.)
The quest for beauty has always involved a mix of enhancement and identity. Ovid’s emphasis on artificial alterations like skin whitening mirrors trends still prevalent today in parts of the world, from Asia to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, in my part of the world, a golden tan is often seen as a beauty ideal—though, just like in ancient times, there’s always a cost to pay for chasing these ideals, (lead poisoning and melanomas to name a few.)
Other than beauty?
A favourite part of this poem is :
“Your first thought, girls, should be of your behaviour,”
He proceeds to say you will get old and wrinkly and hate to look in the mirror but goodness will last much longer. It is more important than looks for long lasting love. What do you think?
Ovid’s “Cosmetics for Women” offers a fascinating glimpse into the beauty ideals of ancient Rome. Beautiful clothes, nice smelling hair, a few different hairstyles to choose from and some bling, I don’t really see much difference between now and two thousand years ago…
“You like to have your hands ablaze with gems.”
Ovid’s playful verses on beauty not only give us a glimpse into the past but reflect the timeless human desire to shape, enhance, and redefine beauty.
As Claudia continues her journey in the sequel to Even Gods Are Blind, she must learn to fulfil her new and very public role while grappling with the limitations it places on her and her longing for the freedoms of a twentieth-century woman. Not to mention, the chocolate… who does she have to pray to, to get some chocolate!!
What ancient beauty rituals do you think would stand the test of time?
What do you think the Romans would have made of the look that many women wear nowadays?
