Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
Depictions of legendary historical figures of ancient China often show them wearing elaborate make-up. You might see this in period-piece dramas from China.
But even for everyday people, make-up was also important.
A Chinese study explored the use of cosmetics among people in the middle and upper classes during the Tang dynasty (618-907).
The researchers found that cosmetics were a fun part of daily life for those who could afford it.
The researchers studied the tombs of thousands of wealthy non-elites. They were buried in a complex in Xian, the capital of the Tang dynasty. The scientists found that cosmetics from this time were made from moths, animal fat and vegetable oil among others.
The main purpose of animal fat was as a moisturising agent. The use of vegetable oil in newer tombs showed how make-up had improved. Vegetable oil was added to make moisturisers easier to apply.
Answer: animal fat
