At the time, soaps were made of ashes, sodium chloride and soda. The most common creams were formulated with animal grease, particularly ibex grease, highly prized in those ages. In order to prevent baldness, a combination of lion, hippopotamus, cat and snake grease was commonly used. Unfortunately, we do not have any scientific information on this remedy’s effectiveness but we know for sure, that it is no longer in use! Egyptians, Greeks and Romans invented numerous products. For them, hygiene had purifying virtues and was linked to voluptuous pleasure. Body care becomes popular but cleanliness is mostly ensured by how often people change clothes. The mode of transmission of illnesses remains unknown and people are afraid of using water. Water is considered a major carrier in the transmission of cholera, plague and all kinds of disease. In the meantime, the upper class enjoys bathing and getting massages using creams formulated with spices to take care of their skin. Men start to remove hair, trim their beard and use perfume. Changing clothes is no longer enough to ensure cleanliness. The Renaissance favours body care but bathing disappears because of plague epidemics. Ambroise Paré introduces what will be called later plastic surgery. The first facial masks are invented. Those masks are made of a combination of melted white wax, lamb grease, goat suet and whale meat. As you can imagine, the word « beauty mask » will be in use only years later… Most people who live in towns go to barber shops and wigmakers. To look beautiful, people tend to use powders, combs and perfumes. The more rice powder you wear, the less you wash yourself. Beauty spots are created and applied to hide the numerous pimples. The first ointments are used for their aromatic properties and their drying qualities. Appearance and having good breath are more important than healthy teeth. People do not use water as it is considered bad for their health. Some doctors even assert that it makes teeth fall! Many products are used to take care of the different parts of the body. Among the very unusual ones, there is one hair care product that catches the attention. To make it, you have to boil slugs, collect the grease and mix it with olive oil and honey. Not recommended for greasy hair! During the first part of the 20th century false beliefs about hygiene and bad habits were still spread but, thanks to Dr. Louis Pasteur, public health was achieved. Women were the first ones to start paying attention to their appearance. Throughout the 20th century, cosmetics became more and more popular. Today, men start using them. They are not afraid to ask their dermatologist for advice, to buy their own moisturizing cream,… Interest in the appearance is no longer women’s exclusive territory!