I have acne-prone skin. It took me a while to figure out what works for me. But I finally have it 75% figured out: I splash cold water on my face, lather on a foaming tea tree face wash that smells calming and refreshing, splash, splash, scrub, splash, squirt the cold tea tree serum onto my face (if you didn’t realize by now, I am OBSESSED with tea tree). Then, I pop open the honey moisturizer, apply a little bit on my face, and last but not least, put on sunscreen. I shall not disclose the skincare brands I use for gate-keeping reasons.
My skincare regimen is the reason I feel comfortable in my own skin today; it helped me regain my confidence. My journey with finding good skincare brands helped me find my passion in dermatology. My favorite part of my day is either applying new face masks or just doing my simple skincare routine.
Whenever I use a new face mask, my best friend asks me how I feel, and my reply is usually “I feel like Cleopatra.”
My skincare regimen is the reason I feel comfortable in my own skin today; it helped me regain my confidence. My journey with finding good skincare brands helped me find my passion in dermatology. My favorite part of my day is either applying new face masks or just doing my simple skincare routine.
Whenever I use a new face mask, my best friend asks me how I feel, and my reply is usually “I feel like Cleopatra.”
Queen Cleopatra is known for her skincare routine and beauty tips that changed how the skincare industry viewed certain products. She used donkey’s milk, honey, essential oils, olive oil, and sea salt scrubs for her self-care/skincare rituals. Queen Cleopatra was known for her beauty. Her skin care regimen was the real reason for her enhanced beauty. She used a special face mask made with donkey milk, 24-karat gold, and honey. Also, kohl (eyeliner) was used by Egyptians to protect their eyes from sun and sand. Queen Cleopatra used kohl to highlight her eyes and created her infamous “cat’s eye” look. She was the Ariana Grande of her time.
Queen Cleopatra was not just a beauty or skincare guru; she was part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty and ruled over Egypt in the late 4th century BC. Queen Cleopatra was the most educated queen in Egyptian history. She spent her youth studying and becoming a scholar, scientist, and gifted chemist (known to experiment with different poisons). Although Queen Cleopatra had a dedicated skincare ritual, she was more interested in legitimizing her right to become the Queen of Egypt and ensuring that she served Egypt dutifully. The “temptress and seductress” image of Cleopatra was actually created by the Romans after her death. Over time, Shakespeare, centuries of painters, and Hollywood began to portray Cleopatra in their own image—and with their own definition—of femininity.
Queen Cleopatra was not just a beauty or skincare guru; she was part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty and ruled over Egypt in the late 4th century BC. Queen Cleopatra was the most educated queen in Egyptian history. She spent her youth studying and becoming a scholar, scientist, and gifted chemist (known to experiment with different poisons). Although Queen Cleopatra had a dedicated skincare ritual, she was more interested in legitimizing her right to become the Queen of Egypt and ensuring that she served Egypt dutifully. The “temptress and seductress” image of Cleopatra was actually created by the Romans after her death. Over time, Shakespeare, centuries of painters, and Hollywood began to portray Cleopatra in their own image—and with their own definition—of femininity.
Cleopatra’s “seductress” image was influenced by her infamous love story with Roman Statesman/General Marc Antony. Religious propaganda declared Cleopatra an “Aphrodite” (the goddess of love and beauty), attracting Marc Antony. Apart from their mutual affection, the marriage was politically beneficial for both: Queen Cleopatra needed Antony to revive the old boundaries of the Ptolemaic kingdom, and Antony wanted Egypt’s resources for his planned attack on Parthia (Northeastern Iran today). Although the marriage was not considered legal under Roman law because Romans could not marry foreigners, Cleopatra and Antony loved each other and were married for over eleven years. However, tensions began rising between Antony and his former allies, and Antony’s power crumbled. After Antony was defeated by Octavian (the future Roman emperor and previous ally of Antony), he received false news that Cleopatra was dead. Antony could not bear the information and committed suicide. After burying him, Queen Cleopatra also took her own life because she was informed by her spies that Octavian was going to parade her and her children through the streets to celebrate his victory. Many historians believe Cleopatra used an asp (the symbol of divine royalty). Others think that she used a poisonous ointment, since she was masterful in creating poisons. The actual cause of death cannot be determined because Queen Cleopatra’s grave is still not discovered.
The location of Queen Cleopatra’s grave is still one of the biggest mysteries in Egyptian history. It is believed that Marc Antony and Queen Cleopatra were buried together. Most archaeologists assume that Queen Cleopatra’s tomb is buried in Ancient Alexandria. This, however, would mean that the tomb is submerged underwater. Cleopatra had famously declared that “no man will ever be able to find [her] grave.” She was able to successfully portray herself as a “Goddess” because we still haven’t found her grave yet. Even the twenty-first century technology can’t beat the brain of Queen Cleopatra. Her proclamation adds to her “Goddess-like” persona, because we are still looking for her grave and no man has ever been close to finding her grave. Kathleen Teresa Martinez Berry is the only archaeologist close to finding the Queen’s grave.
The location of Queen Cleopatra’s grave is still one of the biggest mysteries in Egyptian history. It is believed that Marc Antony and Queen Cleopatra were buried together. Most archaeologists assume that Queen Cleopatra’s tomb is buried in Ancient Alexandria. This, however, would mean that the tomb is submerged underwater. Cleopatra had famously declared that “no man will ever be able to find [her] grave.” She was able to successfully portray herself as a “Goddess” because we still haven’t found her grave yet. Even the twenty-first century technology can’t beat the brain of Queen Cleopatra. Her proclamation adds to her “Goddess-like” persona, because we are still looking for her grave and no man has ever been close to finding her grave. Kathleen Teresa Martinez Berry is the only archaeologist close to finding the Queen’s grave.
Cleopatra is honestly my Roman empire. She is a literal boss girl. Throughout her life, she challenged male authority and became the actual representation of femininity. In my culture, women are supposed to stay in the background, and growing up, it was really difficult for me to try out for leadership opportunities. However, Queen Cleopatra influenced me to become a leader. She became a ruler, scholar, chemist, and strategist during the time period when women were not given equal opportunities. Her determination and life inspired me to become the president of National Honor Society and change my community into a place where everybody has a voice. Cleopatra exemplifies what true femininity looks like. She helped me understand that you don’t have to look or dress a certain way to become your best self. Cleopatra devoted her life to expanding her kingdom and successfully accomplished her goal. She became a ruler during a time when politics was and still is a male-dominated field. Yet it wasn’t her beauty but her charismatic and witty personality that allowed her to become a successful ruler. In fact, to increase her power, she presented herself as the reincarnation of Isis. This strategy helped her gain a cult-like following and increased her support in a country that viewed their Gods so highly.
A fierce and strategic queen who was so unique for her time has been wrongfully portrayed as a docile and passive queen by painters, writers, and historians. Cleopatra was renowned for her strategies and charisma. However, people started painting her image in a different light that disrespected her real personality. Shakespeare portrayed Cleopatra as a star-crossed lover in his play “Antony and Cleopatra.” (The real Queen was too cutthroat and intelligent to succumb to such temptations.) Many historians started to believe that Queen Cleopatra was so influential because of her beauty rather than her brains. Due to this false belief, many artists began to make portraits of Cleopatra as a seductress and extremely beautiful lady who was fit for European beauty standards rather than respecting her natural beauty.
Furthermore, many historians portrayed the Queen’s death as a dramatic ending to a love story. But that is not the truth: in reality, Queen Cleopatra was kept in captivity by her enemy, Octavian, where she famously declared, “I will not be triumphed over.” Octavian had planned to parade her through the streets of Rome. Therefore, the Queen made the decision to commit suicide. Even in her last moments of life, she maintained her autonomy, asserted her independence, and cemented herself as one of the greatest monarchs in history.
A fierce and strategic queen who was so unique for her time has been wrongfully portrayed as a docile and passive queen by painters, writers, and historians. Cleopatra was renowned for her strategies and charisma. However, people started painting her image in a different light that disrespected her real personality. Shakespeare portrayed Cleopatra as a star-crossed lover in his play “Antony and Cleopatra.” (The real Queen was too cutthroat and intelligent to succumb to such temptations.) Many historians started to believe that Queen Cleopatra was so influential because of her beauty rather than her brains. Due to this false belief, many artists began to make portraits of Cleopatra as a seductress and extremely beautiful lady who was fit for European beauty standards rather than respecting her natural beauty.
Furthermore, many historians portrayed the Queen’s death as a dramatic ending to a love story. But that is not the truth: in reality, Queen Cleopatra was kept in captivity by her enemy, Octavian, where she famously declared, “I will not be triumphed over.” Octavian had planned to parade her through the streets of Rome. Therefore, the Queen made the decision to commit suicide. Even in her last moments of life, she maintained her autonomy, asserted her independence, and cemented herself as one of the greatest monarchs in history.
The misrepresentation of Cleopatra clearly shows that history is written by men who are afraid of femininity. The Roman emperor hated Cleopatra. Therefore, he spread the propaganda of Cleopatra being an evil seductress who only achieved her success through immoral actions and seduction. The propaganda is still believed to be true thanks to the movies created about Cleopatra, in which she is painted as the woman who led two strong men (Antony and Caesar) to their doom. The Queen is painted as a foreign evil when, in truth, she was the reason why Egypt could maintain its autonomy for so long. The reality is that the Queen had both love affairs because of political benefits for both parties. She was not the type of woman to cause doom for her own greed. Yet she is still misunderstood and disrespected.
The misrepresentation of female figures has been continued on for centuries. For example, Marilyn Monroe was constantly considered “dumb” because she was pretty. If you think that such stereotypes do not happen today, then you’re wrong. The Kardashians are known for their beauty, and sometimes mocked for being “dumb” or called “plastic dolls.” What people fail to recognize is that they are marketing geniuses: they have been able to stay relevant and consistent all throughout changing trends. Also, they have successfully launched different brands catered towards their targeted audience. It seems as though people cannot believe that women can have both beauty and brains.
I have experienced this numerous times in my life. Whenever I put on makeup (which doesn’t happen quite often thanks to my sensitive skin) or wear a different hairstyle, my family starts to think that I am not paying attention to my academics, and I am getting “distracted”. In reality, I just do that to feel different and good about myself. Women in history have so much myth surrounding them because they get judged and constantly stereotyped for their personality. I am glad that we have not found Queen Cleopatra’s tomb. We do not deserve to quell our curiosity until the world gives Queen Cleopatra the respect she deserves.
Cleopatra and I have perfected our skincare routines, but both of us have also accomplished so much more. Queen Cleopatra is the symbol of femininity and how women do not have to give up their beauty or feminine qualities to become a great leader. In my humble opinion, she became the greatest monarch because she was able to rule independently, reclaim her kingdom and rule it until her last breath, transcend her peers, and become the Queen of the Kings.
And she did all of this without giving up her love for skincare and 24-karat gold face masks.
The misrepresentation of female figures has been continued on for centuries. For example, Marilyn Monroe was constantly considered “dumb” because she was pretty. If you think that such stereotypes do not happen today, then you’re wrong. The Kardashians are known for their beauty, and sometimes mocked for being “dumb” or called “plastic dolls.” What people fail to recognize is that they are marketing geniuses: they have been able to stay relevant and consistent all throughout changing trends. Also, they have successfully launched different brands catered towards their targeted audience. It seems as though people cannot believe that women can have both beauty and brains.
I have experienced this numerous times in my life. Whenever I put on makeup (which doesn’t happen quite often thanks to my sensitive skin) or wear a different hairstyle, my family starts to think that I am not paying attention to my academics, and I am getting “distracted”. In reality, I just do that to feel different and good about myself. Women in history have so much myth surrounding them because they get judged and constantly stereotyped for their personality. I am glad that we have not found Queen Cleopatra’s tomb. We do not deserve to quell our curiosity until the world gives Queen Cleopatra the respect she deserves.
Cleopatra and I have perfected our skincare routines, but both of us have also accomplished so much more. Queen Cleopatra is the symbol of femininity and how women do not have to give up their beauty or feminine qualities to become a great leader. In my humble opinion, she became the greatest monarch because she was able to rule independently, reclaim her kingdom and rule it until her last breath, transcend her peers, and become the Queen of the Kings.
And she did all of this without giving up her love for skincare and 24-karat gold face masks.