The thousand-year-old secrets of cosmetics teach us how to combine beauty with practicality. Did Armenian women use makeup centuries ago? From what materials did they create natural perfume, kohl, face powder, and other cosmetic products? These questions were explored by Vahe Sema Kotanyan, ethnographer, designer, and founder of the Armenian clothing brand SEMA, during a lecture held on March 14 at the History Museum of Armenia entitled “The Secret of Armenian Women’s Natural Makeup: Ritual, Death or Life?”. The lecture was dedicated to Women’s Month celebrations. The opening remarks were delivered by Arusyak Ghazaryan, Deputy Director for Museum Branches, who emphasized that the image of the Armenian woman, perceptions of her beauty, and traditions of personal care have occupied an important place in Armenian traditions for centuries. She noted that the lecture would provide an opportunity to explore the historical development of cosmetic practices. At the end of the lecture, Vahe Kotanyan answered questions from the audience.