How widely did women use make-up in ancient Rome - and what is the evidence? In a pioneering work the author draws on literary, non-literary, visual and archaeological evidence to show the importance of cosmetics and perfumes for health, ideas of beauty, social status, as a demonstration of wealth and luxury, and as an expression of gender. This survey of the perception and reality of the use of cosmetics and perfumes under the Roman Empire covers the 300 years from the writings of Ovid to the Price Edict of Diocletian in AD 301. The work forms a natural companion volume to A.T. Croom's "Roman Clothing and Fashion" (Tempus 2000).