While we are definitely more concerned with our looks than the previous generation was, we still have a long way to go before we actively try to make the most of our looks. Look around you. Most of the women we see have their hair pinned up away from their face, with minimal make up, and a few - or quite a few - extra pounds packed around the waist. However, to be fair, we are getting more and more fitness conscious here in India. A few years ago there must have been a maximum of 5 gyms throughout the country! While now there are about 50 in each city. A good sign, but we still have a long way to go. Ancient Egypt No other country or culture was so concerned with beautification as was Egypt. Cleopatra the VII has also written a book of beauty secrets. Even today Egyptian glass perfume vials decorate many a classic dressing table and the herb Aloe, so ingrained in ancient Egyptian beauty treatments, is still a vital ingredient in most skin-care creams. Body Oil If body oil is not a daily part of your bathing ritual, perhaps its time you made it so. The heat, dust and pollution of our times plays havoc with our skin. Ever wondered why Egyptian women were renowned for their alabaster skin Records show that all women, from the richest to the most destitute used body oil in huge quantities. In fact, sufficient body oil for daily use was often issued as part of wages! Egyptian Anti-wrinke cream recipe 1 tsp sweet almond oil 2 drops of Frankincense essential oil or Rose Attar. Mix these ingredients together and you have an excellent anti-wrinkle cream. Cleanse your face and apply this to your face at night. Massage it in your skin gently for about 5 minutes, and wash off the next morning. Almonds Bitter or sweet almond oil were the most common ingredients of Egyptian cosmetics, and are excellent for the skin. Use pure almond oil as an under-eye cream and keep crows-feet at bay. Almond oil is also excellent for your hair. Mix almond and coconut oil to your hair and wash it off after an hour, for excellent results. Body Oil Try this: After bathing, pour a teaspoon of almond oil into a mug of water and pour it over your body as a final rinse.