FMS406SalmonMNewElizabethans: FMS406SALMONMNEWELIZABETHANS/ Tudor Cosmetics.

17th Century/Tudor Cosmetics.

"...when vermillion hath laid so deepe a colour on an impudent skinne,...it cannot blush with sense of her own shame."
Richard Brathwait, The English Gentleman. (http://www.elizabethancostume.net/makeup.html)

Why did 17th Century women wear cosmetics and what did it symbolise?

Both Men and Women wore make-up in the 17th Century, makeup allowed Aristocrats and Royalty to express their wealth and good health through forms of makeup and hair as well as fashion, as only the rich could afford this superior 'look'.

What are the dangers of Tudor Cosmetics and the make-up trends of 17th Century?

The Perfect Tudor Base;

In the 17th Century a pale complexion was considered beautiful and a sign of 'good health' and 'wealth' as the rich could afford to not work outside. Like today women of the 17th century desired a flawless complexion and they achieved this by the use of many methods and highly dangerous cosmetics. The mixture of white lead or chalk with egg whites and vinegar created the desired pale complexion women wore, this gave the skin a smooth, shiny finish. Although the ingredient 'lead' was highly poisonous and created many skin problems for women that constantly used this chemical. Women and men became creative when dealing with their skin problems and usually decorated their blemishes with stars, hearts and moon shapes to hide any imperfections.

The Perfect Tudor Eye and Brow;

Women used kohl eyeliner to rim their eyes making them appear darker and stand out more. The chemical 'Belladonna' was also used on the eyes to make the pupils appear larger and sparkly. The use of Belladonna often referred to as 'deadly nightshade', contains toxins that cause delirium and hallucinations. The Tudor brow was created by constantly plucking or shaping the brow as at the time fashion required them brow to look 'thin' and 'arched'.

The Perfect Tudor Lip and Cheek;

Madder and asian plants with red roots, cochineal, egg whites, ochres and vermilion a red pigment obtained by mercury sulphide are all chemicals used when creating rogue shades for the lips and cheeks.

Many sources have said that Queen Elizabeth and other Elizabethans who had the luxury of wearing these cosmetics, hand made these cosmetics or had their servants make it for them. Queen Elizabeth apparently enjoyed creating these cosmetics and skincare products herself in her room, experimenting with different chemicals and mixes. I found it very interesting to research such a historical and influential style and makeup trend, that I personally think looks ridiculous but it was taken so seriously and considered as ideal beauty.