cleopatra

This striking Pharaoh was one of the most important figures in Egypt's history. Using her wits and ravishing looks, Cleopatra claimed power and victory across the lands. Her story of power and love was so powerful it prompted directors to portray her story in numerous Hollywood movies; Joseph L. Mankiewicz's rendition starring Elizabeth Taylor was my favorite. Achieving her look is sexy and easy. All you need is a simple long jersey dress (in black or white), tons of gold accessories and serious makeup. Hold your head high and walk like an Egyptian . . .

To get your Cleopatra groove on, read more

Cleopatra is one of the original beauty divas, and when Fab showed me her costume ideas for the legendary Egyptian Pharaoh, I just had to chime in with some dramatic makeup tips to complete this dazzling style.

With a life more intense than every episode of The Hills combined, this Bella Donna's look correlates rather nicely with several Fall 2008 trends: winged-out eyeliner, ample brows, hints of metallic, and boldly colored shadows.

For some suggestions on how to apply Cleopatra's makeup, check out some of my tips (along with a fun widget) below, following the picture to your right as a guide:

• Complexion — Choose a matte foundation for a flawless finish.
• Eyes — Using a black eyebrow pencil, fill in brows with a high arch. Heavily line eyes with a creamy black liner, extending far past your outer corners. Use a deeply pigmented green or bluish-green shadow to fill in from lash line to brow and inner corner to outer corner. Glue on shimmery false lashes to complete.
• Blush — For a bright glow, sweep a peachy shade across your cheeks.
• Lips — With all the drama focused on the eyes, keep the lips semi-matte to matte in a nude or peach shade.

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With Halloween fast approaching, I have really started getting into costume brainstorming mode. Often I'll turn to vintage clothing to supplement my Halloween costume — that way, no one else can show up to the party wearing the same thing as me.

When I saw this 80s snake belt, $24, I automatically thought: how perfect would it be for a Cleopatra costume? It's adjustable up to 36" and if you didn't want to wear it around your waist, you could wrap it around your upper arm instead. What is a Cleo costume without an asp, anyway?

I thought you might enjoy a trip back in time for this week's Bella Donna. So we're going waaaay back to look at Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt. It's hard to think of another woman whose beauty has left such a lasting impression. Her intense, kohl-lined eyes continue to inspire modern-day designers such as Alexander McQueen, who used a strong Egyptian eye on models for his fall 2007 collection. The jury's out on whether Cleopatra was physically attractive, but an officially commissioned portrait of her (it's the coin in the gallery here) suggests that she wasn't necessarily the Angelina Jolie of her day.

Cleopatra had a short life, but it was a tumultuous one. Trust me, even if you yawn when you think about history, you'll love this stuff—it is filled with all sorts of sordid drama and is too juicy to pass up. As a child, Cleopatra's older sister tried to poison her (but wound up being killed herself). Miss Cleo's reign didn't begin so well: At 18, she was queen... and was also married to her 12-year-old brother, Ptolemy III. Bossy Cleopatra wanted to rule alone, so she started to leave her brother out of official documents and events. Surprise! This didn't go over so well, and Cleopatra was forced into exile. But then her brother made the kind of mistake that only 15-year-old boys can make. To get the whole story, read more

From Tocca, the queen company of sweetly scented candles and ladylike clothing comes a new fragrance called Cleopatra Eau de Parfum ($68). It is indeed inspired by the best-selling candle scent and, of course, it's named after the feminine Egyptian royal.

Cleopatra was effervescent, powerful and seductive, and so is the fragrance. It is made from grapefruit, tuberose, cassis, jasmine, peach nectar, greens, patchouli and vanilla musk. I've got to get this, since I'm a sucker for anything tuberose. It won't be available in stores until July, but you can purchase it online now.

History says that Cleopatra seduced both Mark Anthony and Julius Caesar with herbal perfumes including lavender, jasmine, and rose.

Studies on the effect of lavender on stress, suggests that lavender therapy was associated with reduced mental stress and increased attention -- I'm thinking the men resulted in her use of lavender. So maybe it was seduction but those crazy men were probably driving her absolutely insane, calling for some serious "Cleo" time!

And while she may not have bathed in it, you can with Aromas For Living's Bath Herbs ($6.00 for three sachets, complete with a purple satin bow). How do you use bath herbs? Simple steep one sachet in boiling water for 15 minutes. Pour into bath water. Or draw 2" hot water into tub. Soak one sachet for 15 minutes. Discard sachet. Fill tub with warm water -- And relax!

Need more reasons to relax? Aromas For Living also values:

• Organic Farming Principles
• Protecting the Environment
• Limiting the Exploitation of Natural Resources
• Providing Information and Resources for Living Well
• Supporting Health and Wellness in the Community
• Use of Renewable Resources
• The Dissemination of information about Natural Health Alternatives
• The Humane Treatment of Animals
• Limiting the Use of Synthetic Materials in Cosmetic Products

Buy lavender bath herbs from AromasForLiving.com.