Three Traditional Makeup Products You Need to Know in 2025

Tradition in style 

Okay ladies, let’s talk cultural beauty—specifically, the makeup techniques you might be overlooking in 2025. When scrolling through mainstream makeup products, there are some fashion girlies out there who want alternatives—ones that don’t rely on a laundry list of chemicals. And while we hate to break it to you, even the so-called “all-natural” products on store shelves still use additives to achieve long-lasting results. But what if we told you there were beauty methods that have been slaying for centuries, using nothing but natural ingredients? Yep, we’re talking about traditional makeup techniques that have stood the test of time, giving women flawless, natural beauty without any questionable additives. 

These techniques aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re steeped in history, passed down through generations of beauty lovers who knew how to make natural glam work. So, let’s dive in and discuss three ancient makeup techniques that deserve a spot in your beauty routine. 

The Moroccan Lip Stain (Aker Fassi) 

We have to confess—someone on our team saw this on TikTok, and it was a game-changer. Girl, this lip stain is not only 100% natural, but it works. But before we get into how to use it, let’s talk history. 

Aker Fassi has been a Moroccan beauty staple for centuries. Women in North Africa, particularly the Berber and Arab communities, have been using this vibrant stain for over a thousand years. It’s made by crushing dried poppy petals and pomegranate rind into a fine powder, which is then set into a small terracotta pot. The result? A stunning deep red pigment that activates when mixed with water or oil. This traditional method was used by Moroccan women long before commercial lipsticks were a thing, providing them with a natural yet long-lasting tint for both lips and cheeks. 

To use it, you simply wet your fingertip (or a brush) with a little water or oil, swirl it around the pot, and apply. After letting it sit for a couple of minutes, wipe away the excess to reveal a natural yet striking red tint. It lasts up to 24 hours and gives that perfect flushed look—whether you use it on your lips or as a blush. 

And here’s a beauty hack straight from history: Moroccan brides often used Aker Fassi on their wedding day to achieve a radiant, long-lasting glow. We’re telling you—this lip stain is the moment. 

Looking for a good source? We got ours here: Inaya Morocco 

Indian Kajal (Kohl) for Eyes 

Now, let’s hop over to India for a beauty technique that has been defining eyes for thousands of years—Kajal, also known as Kohl. If you love a smudged, sultry eyeliner look, you have centuries of South Asian and Middle Eastern beauty traditions to thank for this one. 

Kohl’s origins trace back over 4,000 years to ancient India, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Archaeological evidence suggests that Egyptian queens like Cleopatra weren’t the only ones rocking dramatic kohl-lined eyes—Indian women (and men!) were also using it for both beauty and protection. In many Indian households, it’s still common for mothers to apply kajal to their babies' eyes, believing it wards off the “evil eye” and protects against infections. 

Traditionally, kajal was made by burning almond or castor oil, collecting the soot, and mixing it with clarified butter (ghee) or natural oils. This homemade recipe created a rich, long-lasting eyeliner that was not only gorgeous but also cooling and antimicrobial. It was especially useful in India’s hot climate, where it helped reduce glare from the sun and prevent eye irritation. 

Fast-forward to today, and Kohl remains a makeup essential in South Asia and the Middle East. The rich black pigment is perfect for creating sharp lines or a smudged, lived-in look. But ladies, be careful—modern mass-produced kohl can contain lead, so always make sure you’re getting the traditionally made, all-natural version. 

Middle Eastern Rosewater & Saffron Skin Brightener 

If you’re the kind of girl who swears by toners, then this ancient Middle Eastern skincare secret is about to change your routine. Enter: Rosewater and Saffron Skin Brightener. This blend has been used for centuries in Persian and Arab beauty rituals, and for good reason—it’s basically a natural glow in a bottle. 

The use of rosewater in beauty dates back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), where it was considered a luxury skincare essential. Persian queens were known for their flawless complexions, and their secret? A daily skincare regimen infused with rosewater and saffron. Saffron, often called “red gold,” has been one of the most prized spices in the Middle East and South Asia for thousands of years—not just for its rich color and fragrance but also for its powerful skin benefits. 

Together, rosewater and saffron work like magic. Rosewater acts as a natural toner, balancing the skin’s pH and reducing redness, while saffron is packed with antioxidants that brighten, even out skin tone, and fight signs of aging. In warm climates, this mixture was a must-have for cooling and hydrating the skin while keeping it looking radiant and youthful. 

Modern skincare brands have started catching on, but trust us, this isn’t just another trend—it’s been a staple in Middle Eastern beauty for centuries. If you want naturally glowing skin, this is that girl. 

Why 100%-Natural Beauty is the It-Girl Move 

Ladies, let’s be real—there’s something empowering about knowing exactly what’s going on your skin. While mainstream makeup can give you that perfect look, a lot of it comes with hidden chemicals that can clog pores, cause breakouts, and even mess with your body’s natural balance. Just because something is labeled “non-toxic” doesn’t mean it’s good for you. 

That’s why so many beauty lovers are turning to traditional, time-tested techniques. Women and men who have switched to natural beauty products often report healthier skin, fewer breakouts, and even fewer fine lines. Plus, using these ancient techniques connects you to centuries of beauty wisdom—because trust us, if something has been working for over a thousand years, it’s doing something right. 

So, if you’re looking to elevate your beauty routine while keeping it clean, these traditional makeup techniques are worth trying. Whether it’s the Moroccan lip stain, Indian kajal, or Middle Eastern rosewater and saffron brightener—these beauty secrets are here to serve. And honestly? We’re obsessed. 

For a deeper dive, check out our article on the everyday makeup ingredients to avoid for your skin health. Because girl, knowledge is power.