Ancient advice

WHEN American archaeologists finally break through the last door in the labyrinthine Great Pyramid at Gaza, they will probably find a dusty bottle of Oil of Olay and a clogged-up tube of ancient eyeliner.

It is not that the ancient Egyptians were particularly vain - although even Victoria Beckham would stop short of mummifying herself for posterity - it is just that they liked to keep their skin fresh, young and vibrant.

They were not alone in their quest for eternally youthful good looks. Records from ancient China, Greece and Byzantium show they were a dab hand with foundation and a make-up brush too. But the Egyptians were the top of the pile - the Maybelline of their day, if you like.

Some recipes and processes are preserved in their entirety, some give only indications of the herbs used and some are yet to be deciphered. In the meantime, here are a few tips from the ancients to stop you looking like death on the Nile (on a good day).

Garlic

Then... garlic was so highly prized in ancient Egypt that pyramid workers went on strike when deprived of their daily rations. It was an important healing agent - the aspirin of its day - and was particularly useful as a rinse or gargle when mixed with water and vinegar.

Now... if you can't stomach the taste of raw garlic, or hate the 'garlic breath' that inevitably follows, Kwai Once-A-Day (£4.95 for 30, from Boots, Superdrug and Lloyds) is an odourless and convenient alternative.

Lotus blossom

Then... the sacred flower of Ancient Egypt originated in India, even though Re, the Egyptian sun god, is said to have created himself from a lotus blossom. The bloom's beauty and discreet fragrance were highly regarded, as were its protective qualities against the elements.

Now... lotus flower is the inspiration behind the new range by Fenjal - La Femme Fenjal (from £6.45, exclusively at Boots). The range, which includes shower creme, bath oil and body scrub, offers protection from free radicals, damaging environmental pollution and also combats moisture loss through the creation of a natural hydro-lipid balance.

Aloe Vera

Then... the first written formula for the use of aloe was found in the Papyrus Ebers, an Egyptian document dating back to 1550 BC. Referring to Aloe as the "plant of immortality", it sets out 12 formulas for mixing it with other elements to treat both internal and external disorders. Evidence suggests that the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, who was renowned for her beauty, bathed in aloe juice as part of her extensive beauty regime.

Now... various moisturising lotions and potions contain aloe, but for a pure hit of the stuff try Aloe Vera Juice (£7.99 for 950ml, from Holland & Barrett).

Fenugreek

Then... one of the oldest medicinal plants, fenugreek was used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming and mummification. Both Hippocrates and Pliny refer to the herb in their work, remains have been found in Egypt from as early as 3000 BC and seeds were found in Tutankhamun's tomb. A remedy for bronchial infections and tuberculosis, a poultice of the pulverised seeds was also used to treat cuts, wounds, sores, skin irritations and swollen glands.

Now... fenugreek is available in 610mg capsules from Holland & Barrett, at £6.49 for 100.

Magnetic therapy

Then... magnetic therapy might appear to be a modern phenomenon, but its roots are very old. Cleopatra wore a magnet on her forehead to preserve her youthful good looks and enhance her beauty. Electromagnetic influences on digestion, absorption, elimination of waste products and metabolism of glucose are well documented, so she wasn't too far off the mark.

Now... magnets offer a gentler and more natural way of maintaining your animal magnetism than cosmetic surgery or other invasive techniques. HoMedics Thera:P Magnetic Bracelets and Insoles (£14.99 and £19.99 respectively, from www.homedics.co.uk) are an easy way to re-charge your body throughout the day.

Updated: 09:01 Tuesday, October 15, 2002