MAKE-UP
This morning, when I woke up, I realized I was old enough to do what I had never done before. I had turned thirteen at 5:30 AM and now I was (or allowed, FINALLY) to wear cosmetics and dress like all older girls.
First I bathed with soda, which was new to me, and then rubbed perfumed oil into my skin. I then added false braids to my hair since I was not old enough to wear a wig. Unlike my father who had cut his hair short and used a wig, for what seems like forever, like all Egyptian men.
Egypt would never be the same without make-up, perfumes, scented oils, use of ostrich feathers, and things like wigs etc. Egypt totally depends on make-up. For example, all men and women darken their eyelids with black or green paint. I prefer green because it brings out the other physical features of my face. Another thing that is important is jewelry, but I won't get in to that.
Women of Egypt rouged their cheeks and lips and stain their nails with henna That is what I did next in my morning, along with getting a beautiful, colorful, birdlike tattoo which should enhance my feminine charm.
The first birthday gift I got today was an elegant cosmetics chest made of gold with the design and color of my tattoo on it. In the box was a paste containing the yellowish-red pigment of henna leaves for women to golour their nails, palms, soles, and sometimes hair. I had my mom help me the first time.
Oh my gosh, I guess thirteen is the age for wrinkles because I think I am getting some. I had to use the recommended oil of fenugreek to cover up those horrid wrinkles and freckles.
Perspiration is so annoying because it makes you take care of your skin and hair not merely by washing but by quite an elaborate cosmetic routine.
I am now an Egyptian beauty that darkens her eyebrows, eyelids, and eyelashes with the aid of little splints and miniature spoons.
I love being a thirteen year old Egyptian girl.
Does not say author. The Dress of the Upper Class. Dec. 11, 2000
<http.//www.verdenet.com/isis/upperdress.htm>.
