17 Ancient Beauty Hacks That You Can Use Today

Curious to learn about some of the ancient beauty hacks of beauty babes throughout history? For thousands of years, women have used simple secrets to look their best.

Cleopatra, Helen of Troy, Marie Antoinette; these bombshells knew how to steal the show using the simple ingredients around them, and you can too!

17 Ancient Beauty Hacks and Tips

Want to know which nutrient-dense foods can minimize your pores, tighten your skin, and make you feel flawless and fabulous? Read on, and we’ll share with you 17 ancient beauty hacks that you can still use today.

Avocado

Embrace the nutritional power of avocado! This is one of the most powerful foods on the planet. Yes, this delicious brunch staple was also used by the ancients as a beauty hack.

The Mayans would use avocados to get skin glowing and reduce the size of pores. The high amounts of vitamin C and E and essential fats help moisturize and nurture your skin.

What’s the secret? Just take an avocado, mash it up, and leave it on your face up to 15 minutes before rinsing. You can also combine with yogurt or lemon for other skin-boosting benefits. Don’t want to waste an entire avocado? Cover the other half in a film of water to prevent browning.

Milk and Honey

Ah, milk and honey, was there ever a sweeter combo?
For thousands of years, women have exalted these two ingredients, thanks to all of the rich benefits they provide.

They still show up in many beauty products today. Honey provides beneficial nutrients such as enzymes, pollen, and antioxidants, while milk includes alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA). AHA helps promote collagen, correct discoloration from scars and aging, improves wrinkles, and more!

Rosewater

Rosewater is thought to have originated in what is now Iran.
Throughout the ages, women have used this ancient beauty hack for many reasons.

Ancient Egyptian and Roman women would apply rosewater on their bodies as a cleanser and to tighten their pores as well as reduce wrinkles.

Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, loved rosewater and often bathed her face and body in this. Roses themselves are associated with the Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty in Ancient Greece.

Aside from smelling like heaven, rosewater included such benefits as soothing skin irritation and redness, prevents and treats infections, contains antioxidants and anti-aging properties, and so much more.

Rosewater can be purchased just about anywhere cosmetics are sold (it is easier to buy than make at home). Apply liberally to the face morning and evening for more even skin.

Lemon

When it comes to a cheaper way to lighten hair, look for some lemons. Lighter hair was all the craze back in ancient Greece. And they couldn’t just stop into the spa for some highlights.

Ancient Greek women loved using lemons to achieve lighter hair as the look was more exotic. When combined with sunshine, the citric acid in lemons opens up the hair cuticles.

This strips the first layer of hair color away, helping to change the color to a lighter look. Using lemon juice alone won’t work, so for best results, do this in the summertime to lighten it up!

Mix two parts warm water with 1-part lemon juice in a spray bottle, then spray the areas of your hair that you wish to lighten. 1-2 hours in the sun should do the trick, but don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for the rest of your body! When life gives you lemons, use them to lighten your hair.

Egg

Nutritious and delicious, the incredible, edible egg is more than just what’s for breakfast. Did you know the earliest recorded skincare recipe included eggs?! This was from way back in 600 BC!! If you’re looking for tighter and more moisturized skin in the face and neck, egg whites, applied directly to the face, will give your skin that boost!

Snails

Say no to escargot. Instead, these little critters can do wonders for your face. Yes, snail slime is making its way back into popularity.
This is one of the ancient beauty hacks that was once very popular in Greece. Snail mucous has antioxidant properties, increases collagen in the skin, and also expedites wound healing. Talk to your local esthetician about where you can get a snail facial for healthier skin.

Argon Oil

Argon oil has been used for centuries for cosmetic use.
Found in the nut of a fruit that comes from the argon trees of beautiful Morocco (the only place where these trees thrive), this “liquid gold” is one of the most precious in the world.

Berber women would slather their babies in this to protect their skin. Apply small amounts to the face, hair, and body for luxurious moisturizing benefits and shine. The fatty acids and vitamin E will come to the rescue of dry skin immediately.

Olive Oil

Similar to argan oil, olive oil has intense moisturizing benefits. While the Greeks used olive oil for just about everything, it was most popular among Greek women for skincare.

Omega acids and tocopherols help nourish the skin and lock in moisture. It makes a fantastic make-up remover when applied to a make-up pad. A little goes a long way, so small amounts are best during application.

Pomegranate Extract

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, tannins, and many minerals, pomegranates are an excellent skin brightener. The ancient Greeks knew what power the pomegranate possessed and often included pomegranate extract in their skincare routine.

Crush (or blend) the inner parts of the pomegranate and apply to the face for 15 minutes to let it work its magic.

Clay

Clay masks have been in use for thousands of years…because they work so well with balancing our skin! The benefits of clay were celebrated in Ancient Greece for its many therapeutic benefits.

Clay can absorb toxins as well as serve as an antibacterial agent. Ask your esthetician about using bentonite clay during your next facial. Definitely one of my favorite ancient beauty hacks.

Big Brows with Burnt Almonds

The Kardashians didn’t popularize big, thick eyebrows. These have been around since Ancient Egypt! Egyptians (both men and women) would paint their eyebrows with burnt almonds to achieve darker, thicker, luscious brows. Your brow pencil might be more accurate, but that’ll do if you misplaced it!

Castor Oil

Castor oil, a type of vegetable oil, was used by ancient Egyptians to strengthen brittle nailbeds. Remember, when it comes to castor oil, cold-pressed is best! Apply directly to face, hair, and nailbed for some TLC. Some even use it on their eyelashes and swear they become longer and stronger!

Jade roller

Jade rolling has made its way back into popularity over the last decade, but did you know this is an ancient beauty hack from the elite ancient Chinese? Jade rolling not only gives your face an excellent massage but reduces irritation and helps drain lymph nodes.

They also stimulate circulation, thereby reducing toxins in the body. Jade rollers are the perfect self-care tool for your skincare routine.

Turmeric

Turmeric has so many benefits it’s impossible to keep count.

Some of the many include its anti-inflammatory and skin brightening properties. This herb originates in ancient Chinese and Ayurveda medicines. It is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in the world!

Apply a few drops of turmeric essential oil to your moisturizer for better skin. 2 tablespoons of ground turmeric can be made into a paste when combined with ½ cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of flour to stop the growth of unwanted hair.

Rice Water

Rice water was a beauty secret of ancient Japanese women that is making a huge comeback. The rich mineral content helps the skin stay healthy. Rice water works as an anti-inflammatory and aids in smoother skin as well as brighter skin tone.

To use, soak rice in a spray bottle with water. This can stay good for up to a week in the fridge. Spritz on face and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing. Your skin will feel tighter and better immediately.

Aloe Vera

Ancient Egyptian walls depicted Aloe Vera as the “plant of immortality,” and for a good reason! Aloe Vera improves skin elasticity as well as moisturizers and prevents wrinkles, as well as many other benefits. It acts as an excellent hair moisturizer as well.

The benefits of this plant have been utilized for ages, from the Romans to the Egyptians, Chinese, Japanese, up until the modern day. Apply a small amount of gel directly to the face nightly before bed for more nourished skin.

Sea salts

Sea salts have been perhaps the best exfoliate since the dawn of time. Practiced in ancient Europe and Asia, this course mineral actively scrubs away dead skin revealing younger, healthier, glowing skin. Add to your shower routine for an economical alternative to your usual exfoliator product.

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