Beauty Routines of the Gods?
The gods of ancient Rome had it all: power, adoration, and eternal youth. But let’s be real—immortality alone doesn’t keep you glowing for centuries. From the divine glow of Venus to Mars’ eternally smooth complexion (despite all that battle sweat), it’s clear that these deities had some serious beauty routines. How did they maintain their celestial allure? Let’s take a closer look at the skincare secrets of the Roman gods, blending myth with historical facts to reveal how these legendary figures kept their beauty game on point.
Venus: The Goddess of Love and the Original Skincare Queen
Let’s start with the OG beauty icon, Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and all things fabulous. Known for her radiant skin and captivating presence, Venus clearly had the best routine in the game. According to Roman mythology, Venus was born from the sea, rising from the foam like a divine mermaid. Naturally, she knew the importance of hydration. While we’re over here slathering on hyaluronic acid serums, Venus was probably bathing in rose water mixed with sea minerals.
Historical evidence shows that ancient Romans were obsessed with fragrant baths, using rose petals, lavender, and even goat’s milk to keep their skin soft. Venus would have had access to the best of the best, likely using a concoction of olive oil and honey to cleanse and moisturize her skin. Olive oil was a staple in Roman beauty—it’s packed with antioxidants and hydrating properties. Just imagine Venus lounging in her villa, sipping wine while her attendants massaged her with oil, leaving her with a glow that rivals the most expensive modern-day serums.
Mars: Skincare on the Battlefield
Mars, the god of war, didn’t just rely on brute strength; he knew that looking good was part of winning battles (and hearts). It might surprise you, but Mars had a pretty strict grooming routine. After all, you can’t charge into battle looking like you’ve been dragged through a Roman street festival.
Mars was all about protecting his skin from the elements. Imagine fighting all day under the hot Mediterranean sun—he’d need some serious sun protection. Ancient Roman soldiers were known to use mixtures of olive oil, beeswax, and herbs like myrrh to protect their skin from the harsh sun and to heal wounds. Mars would have likely applied these balms not just for combat but also to keep his skin smooth and scar-free. Plus, the scent of myrrh was considered both healing and divine, perfect for a god who needed to smell as good as he looked.
Apollo: God of the Arts and the Perfect Glow
Apollo, the god of the sun, music, and poetry, was basically the ancient equivalent of a modern-day lifestyle influencer. Known for his eternally youthful glow, Apollo’s beauty secrets would probably put most skincare gurus to shame. Since Apollo was associated with the sun, he’d need a good skincare regimen to protect his divine complexion from sun damage.
Roman men (and possibly gods like Apollo) were known to use a special face mask made of barley flour, eggs, and goat’s milk to keep their skin smooth. This DIY mask was said to reduce inflammation and brighten the skin—a must-have for a sun deity who spends his days driving a chariot of fire across the sky. And if Apollo wanted to add a little extra glow, he might have sprinkled in some powdered gold. Yes, that’s right—the Romans were known to use gold dust in their cosmetics to achieve a radiant complexion. Because why not literally sparkle like the sun?
Minerva: The Strategic Approach to Beauty
Minerva, goddess of wisdom, war strategy, and crafts, wasn’t exactly known for her vanity. But let’s face it, even a goddess of intellect needs a little self-care now and then. Minerva was practical in everything she did, so her beauty routine would have been efficient and purposeful—no 12-step skincare routine for her!
Romans loved using herbs for their medicinal and beauty properties, and Minerva would have likely incorporated these into her routine. Chamomile was used to soothe and soften the skin, while rosemary was believed to enhance memory (perfect for a goddess of wisdom). Minerva might have also used a simple facial scrub made from crushed almonds and honey to keep her skin smooth, as exfoliation was a common practice among Romans. She may not have been as flashy as Venus, but you can bet Minerva’s skin was just as radiant—no nonsense, just results.
Bacchus: The Wine-Infused Beauty Routine
What’s a beauty article without a little wine? Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry, knew a thing or two about indulging in life’s pleasures. But he also knew how to use wine for beauty. Romans believed in the therapeutic properties of wine, not just for drinking, but for skincare. Bacchus would have probably doused himself in red wine baths to soften his skin (think of it as an antioxidant-rich soak).
Wine contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that fights aging and inflammation. Bacchus probably didn’t need to worry about fine lines and wrinkles with all the anti-aging benefits he was getting from his wine baths. And let’s not forget the intoxicating fragrance—Bacchus would’ve been the life of the party, smelling as sweet as a vineyard in bloom.
Juno: The Matriarch’s Anti-Aging Secrets
As the queen of the gods and goddess of marriage, Juno had to keep up appearances, especially when you’re married to Jupiter, the king of the gods. Juno’s beauty routine was all about anti-aging. She was said to have used a paste made from cypress tree leaves to maintain her youthful looks. Cypress was believed to have anti-aging properties, helping to keep the skin firm and smooth.
Juno might have also indulged in baths infused with herbs like lavender and frankincense. These weren’t just for relaxation—they helped to tone the skin and prevent wrinkles. And since Juno was all about elegance, she would’ve finished off her routine with a touch of kohl to highlight her eyes, which was a common practice among Roman women.
Mercury: The Swift and Simple Routine
Mercury, the god of travel and communication, was always on the go. He didn’t have time for an elaborate beauty routine, but that doesn’t mean he neglected himself. Roman men, like Mercury, used a simple cleanser made from a mix of ashes and honey to purify the skin after a long journey. This combo exfoliated and moisturized, keeping Mercury looking fresh even after a day of delivering messages to the gods.
To keep his hair in place (no wind-swept messes for this speedster), Mercury might have used a pomade made from olive oil and beeswax, a popular grooming staple among Roman men. It was all about efficiency—clean, simple, and effective.
The Takeaway: Beauty Lessons from the Gods
So, what can we learn from the beauty routines of the ancient Roman gods? Whether it’s hydration, exfoliation, or sun protection, these divine figures were way ahead of their time. While we might not have access to magical coconuts or divine rosewater baths, we can still take a page from their book: focus on natural ingredients, indulge in a little self-care, and, above all, have fun with it.
Because let’s face it—if it’s good enough for a god, it’s definitely good enough for us mere mortals.