Egyptian Journal of Tourism Studies Vol.16, No.1, 2017 1 Facial Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt By Engy El-Kilany  and Enas Raoof  Faculty of Tourism and Hotels Minia University, Egypt Abstract Beauty was a vital concept in ancient Egypt which motivated people to seek perfection in every single detail in their life. Thus, self beautification was an essential issue where cosmetics played a key role. This study aims to focus on the concept of beauty in ancient Egypt by exploring the different procedures, materials, recipes of facial cosmetics in ancient Egypt through analyzing texts and scenes related to this topic. Findings of this study revealed that facial cosmetics in ancient Egypt formed the base of many modern cosmetic products and techniques. It has many procedures such as cleansing, paint, treatment and protection. The materials used in manufacturing these cosmetics were extracted from natural sources as mineral, plants and animals. Key words: Beauty, Facial cosmetics, Ancient Egypt Introduction The term “cosmetics” is derived from the Greek word “kosmetikos”, which means “skilled in adorning or arranging”. It refers to the preparations used to cleans, condition, beautify, and protect the skin, lips, eyes, nails or hair. This word is derived from the Greek term “kosmos” which means “order” (Sherrow, 2001). Broadly speaking, the use of cosmetics is not restricted to civilized societies. Since the dawn of history until now, primitive people, (both men and women), have used to beautify and adorn themselves. However, only men were the ones who first adopted face and body painting before going to the war (Forbes, 1965). Ancient Egypt is the earliest historical period that fully developed the use of cosmetics. A ceremonial palette dates to 3100BC was used for grinding and mixing cosmetics. It is considered to be the first archaeological finding of Egyptian cosmetics. As for cosmetic equipments, they were so important to the ancient Egyptians. They were carried forth to the afterlife as they were essential parts of their funerary equipment. Among these equipments are many toilet accessories: eyeliner applicators, mirrors, combs and hairpins. All these cosmetic objects were usually held in cosmetic boxes which were carved out of different material and sometimes inlayed with semi precious stone (Green, 2001).  Associated Professor in Tourist Guidance Department, Jenneykilany@hotmail.com  PhD Researcher in Tourist Guidance, Diss. Under the title of Scenes of Body Care in Ancient Egypt .