Did you know that the very first type of skincare products ever used in the world was a mask? Yes, gathering nearby natural ingredients to create face and body masks was one of the first things we did in the name of beauty. Wanting to look at our best is something that started very early on in history!
A) Cleopatra for example was well known for her luxurious rejuvenating concoctions made up of gold and egg whites. The use of clay, Dead Sea mud and aloe was also popular in the region.
B) In China, Yang Gui Fei, a very beautiful woman from the royal Tang dynasty (also known as one of the Four Ancient Beauties of China), is said to have used white jade, ginseng, lotus root starch and pearls in her facial masks and to have inspired many women to follow in her steps.
C) In ancient Rome, honey, vinegar, basil juice, goose fat and oils were commonly used, while in 17th century Europe, Marie Antoinette was known to mix egg whites with milk, lemon juice and even cognac.
As you can see, masks have been around for ages and they are still popular today because of their ease of use and versatility. They can give an instant nourishment boost while also being able to be customized to target specific skin needs or issues one might be facing in that moment.
Masks can also help bring balance during seasonal changes. For example, in Ayurveda (5000 year old healing tradition) face and body masks (called ubtan) were specifically prepared and applied according to the season. Various plants (roots, leaves, flowers) were selected and prepared to suit various skin types and target specific outcomes.
Within Shankara we are upholding our Ayurvedic roots and have formulated several facial masks to help support your skin needs.
Our Moisturizing Mask for example, was created specifically to address the colder, dryer season coming upon us. With more than 30 pure, carefully sourced, vibrant ingredients such as honey, cardamom, gotu kola, shatavari, amla, chamae rose and life everlasting, this completely natural face mask will help plump-up the skin and replenish moisture. Its rich, rejuvenating and slightly warming properties, will support skin balance during vata season.
A modern offering of an age old beauty ritual!
To learn more about our entire selection of facial masks, please follow this link.
Source: https://chicchiq.com/the-origin-and-history-of-cosmetic-face-masks/
https://astylishthought.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-is-ubtan-facial-and-body-masks.html
