The faces discovered in an archeological site in Iran called Haft Tappeh in Khuzestan have shown that women, 2000 years before Christ, would redden their lips and cheeks and beautify their eyes with makeup. Many Greek manuscripts also mention the makeup of ancient Iranians. Over the years, this makeup evolved into a more professional form among ancient Iranian women. Iranian women (after marriage) were allowed to use seven items for makeup.

In ancient Iran, makeup was exclusively composed of seven cosmetic materials: Sefidab, Sorkhab, Sormeh, Hanna, Vasme, Zarak, and Khaal.

1. What is Sefidab?

The first of the seven makeup items, Sefidab, was applied to the face with face whitening powder or ball. Sefidab is essentially a gentle exfoliator that can lighten and whiten the skin. By using Sefidab, dead skin cells are removed from the face's surface, and the skin is deeply cleansed. Old Sefidab was made from a mixture of white flowers and sheep marrow. The use of Sefidab was essentially before makeup. That is, women prepared their faces for makeup with Sefidab.

2. What is Sorkhab?

Sorkhab, or Rouge, often mentioned in classic Persian literature, was a red powder used to keep the color and complexion alive by applying it to the cheeks. Sorkhab is a medicinal plant that still has its uses in traditional medicine today. The flower of this plant, resembling a bunch of black grapes, has a vibrant and happy red color. Ancient women would dry the red fruit of this plant in the sun and powder it. Today, we know this powder is very beneficial for eliminating skin inflammation and pimples. Sorkhab was also used to color the lips beautifully.

3. What is Sormeh?

Sormeh is a cosmetic made in ancient times from soot and burned oil seeds like almonds and hazelnuts. It was applied like eyeliner to the back of the eyelids. Sormeh is what we later named one of the colors: Sormehi, meaning a black color with a blue sheen. Before the Iranians, around 3500 BC, queens in Egypt used Sormeh for the beauty of their eyes. However, they considered Sormeh a guardian of the eyes against diseases. The use of Sormeh is still widespread among many Persian women.

4. What is Hanna? :

Hanna was used among Iranians to color hair and nails. This plant was actually used instead of today's nail polish and hair dye. Henna is a very beneficial plant that, besides coloring hair, nails, and skin, has antifungal, antiviral, sunscreen, and analgesic properties. Still, many grandmothers use henna to dye their hair. Even young girls use a mixture of water and henna (for a short time) on their bodies to tan.

5. What is Vasme?

Vasme, used to show thicker and sometimes symmetrical eyebrows, was derived from a plant with the same name. The Vasme plant (from the nightshade family) is lovely and fragrant. Vasme is used just like eyebrow mascara to fill in the eyebrows. This plant still has specific uses in traditional medicine and is used in the dyeing industry due to its intense blue and dark purple pigments.

6. What is Zarak?!

Zarak, gold leaf or golden powder, was applied to the face with a brush (just like a brush). In modern makeup items, it is similar to pancake or highlighter powder. Zarak was also used to beautify hair.

7. What is Khaal (mole)?

Khaal (mole) was a dark spot on the upper lip (left side) and lower lip (right side) used for facial beauty. Khaal was marked on the face with Sormeh, Vasme, or Henna.