Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Her intelligence, charisma, and political acumen made her one of the most iconic women in history. She also had special beauty routines. It’s believed that she soaked in donkey or goat milk daily. Reports claim her household had 700 donkeys and that she used the milk to soften her skin via lactic acid exfoliation. She also used honey to moisturise and guard against bacteria.
If Cleopatra had TikTok, her feed would have been unmissable. It would have included dreamy clips of royal rituals. Among these might have been milk‑and‑honey baths with rose petals, slow‑motion hydrafacial reveals, brow lamination transitions, and cryotherapy snapshots under neon lights.
She was known to rinse her face with rosewater multiple times a day to soothe inflammation and balance her oils, and she likely applied honey-almond scrubs, clay masks, almond oil, aloe vera, and henna to dye her hair and nails.
Though Cleopatra lived thousands of years ago, her beauty rituals continue to intrigue us. “So, why does Cleopatra’s approach to beauty still matter today? For one, she showed us that beauty and intelligence aren’t mutually exclusive.”
Here are some treatments that she more than likely would have raved about in her online feed had she had TikTok:
1. HydraFacials
HydraFacial and its combinations deliver an instant glow that Cleopatra would have approved of. Using a patented vortex‑fusion system, the HydraFacial detoxifies, exfoliates, and extracts impurities. It also infuses hydrating serums, including hyaluronic acid, peptides and antioxidants. The treatment is then completed with LED light therapy, tailored to individual skin goals.
Cleopatra’s exfoliating milk and honey bath had similar goals to this facial. The primary aim of the baths was to soften and hydrate the skin.
Bodyvie Clinic in Richmond, London, offers HydraPeel Radiance and HydraTite, which can be combined with brightening peels or radiofrequency tightening. Prices start at around £150 for a full-hour HydraFacial. Express versions, available in 30 minutes, are also offered.
There’s no downtime, so Cleopatra would have been able to drop by Bodyvie between advisory meetings!
2. Milk And Honey Baths With Rosewater
Bodyvie offers a range of body treatments, but a bespoke milk-and-honey bath with rosewater infusion can be booked as a private wellness experience. Although this is not a standard menu item, therapists can create signature rituals reminiscent of Cleopatra’s legendary bathing rituals.
Cleopatra reportedly added essential oils, such as jasmine or blue lotus. She then soaked in the waters, sprinkled with rose petal extracts. These were believed to offer mild psychoactive relaxation and sensory luxury. A modern version might mix goat milk‑based treatments with Manuka honey and petals, followed by topical rosewater toning.
Honey, lactic acid, and rosewater remain trending ingredients in high‑end spas, offering gentle exfoliation, hydration, anti‑inflammation and scent layering. This is pretty much what Cleopatra was after when she indulged in these baths.
3. Brow Lamination
Cleopatra’s kohl‑lined eyes were legendary. She used galena powder and burnt almond to define lash lines. Today’s brow lamination delivers a similar imprint. Brows are brushed into uniform shapes to make them appear fuller and smoother.
Laminated brows can last around four to six weeks. However, caution is advised. Some over‑processing can cause brittleness or thinning if done improperly. Cleopatra would likely have pre‑tested to avoid mishaps, and so should you!
4. Cryotherapy
Would Cleopatra embrace cryotherapy? Imagine a reel of the queen stepping into a cryosauna after her milk bath. This would make for a refreshing transition. Cryotherapy is today praised for reducing inflammation, promoting collagen production, and boosting mood and metabolism. It also improves sleep and circulation.
Cryo facials use liquid nitrogen vapour on the face and neck to tighten pores, brighten the skin, stimulate collagen, and potentially even support lash and brow volume. Cleopatra’s collagen‑focused beauty pursuits would have aligned with this treatment’s outcomes.
5. Rosewater
Cleopatra distilled rose petals to produce rose water. This was used as a toner, perfume, and remedy for redness or blemishes.
Modern spas still include rosewater mists as toners and aromatherapeutic sprays. And various aesthetic clinics feature various treatments, including chemical peels and infused facials, which often conclude with calming botanical toners, such as rosewater.
The queen’s minimalist yet elegant use of rosewater would translate well into after‑treatment calming sprays and post‑care routines.
What Cleopatra Would Post
Imagine how Cleopatra’s TikTok snippets would have played out. In one, she might have stepped into a bath with floating rose petals and sighed. In another clip, she might have spritzed rosewater and then smiled at her reflection in a golden mirror. The captions would have read something along the lines of: ‘Royal skincare: old meets new’, ‘Ice queen meets milk queen’, or ‘Queen of glow since 69 BC’.
In her description, she might have tagged a famous aesthetic clinic and mentioned the clinic’s HydraFacial, from £150. One thing is sure: Cleopatra on social media would have presented a masterclass in timeless beauty. Still, we can only imagine what might have happened had Cleopatra had TikTok.
