Women who lived in Ancient Rome used cosmetics and perfume frequently. The wealthy to the middle class used cosmetic products to create a more attractive image. Slaves and servants did not wear makeup, but many of them were praised for their beautician skills, as they applied makeup to their masters.
Cosmetics of ancient roman times and perfume went hand in hand. This is due to the significant odor that came along with many of the cosmetic treatments used at the time. One of the most pungent smelling treatments was a nightly wool sweat treatment applied to the face. This was a treatment said to help shed the dull skin and create a brighter appearance.
Women in Rome at the time, like many other women in other parts of the world, used dangerous substances in many cosmetics. One of these was lead that was known to be poisonous, but created stunning cheek rouges. This was also used as a lip color.
Perfumes were very important to the image of a woman. Different scents were created for different occasions. Deodorant made with alum and floral blends was also used regularly. Scent was so important to the people of Rome at this time that it was even commonly used in food products to create a more pleasurable scent within a home.
