Regency Make-up

Upstart Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 9 Location: oHIO

Just out of curiosity, not really for any particular research. I've always read the heroine had flawless ivory skin, creamy, not a blemish..... I've never met a single woman like that. (yet another reason to love fiction writing). Oh I know plenty of women that look alright without makeup, but none would be "flawless" or "ivory" or "creamy" or "blemishless". Probably most women would benefit from a dab of concealer here or there. Goodness, I know I need some under my eyes or I might look like a zombie.
So I've read some vague mention here and there of powders uses, or some zinc or lead concoctions. What did they use, really?

~ newb

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

That's a pretty broad topic. They used as many and as varied cosmetics as we do. There are several period sources on cosmetics, including the specifc details of a law that taxed cosmetics in 1785, which enumerated powders, paints, pomades, creams, pastes, oinments, washes, rouges, and on and on. They used lead-based white foundations, red stains and pink powders for cheeks and lips, stains for eyelashes, and pencils for brows. I have two little cosmetic cases from the 1770s that each include little rouge pots and blusher brushes.

There is also a book published in 1811 called Mirror of the Graces that has a section on cosmetics. It's been a while since I read it, but I do remember that white "paint" was frowned upon (by then they knew that the lead in it was poisonous), but a bit of rouge was actually encouraged. Another book published in 1825 called The Art of Beauty talked about cosmetics and gave lots of recipes for both skin care and cosmetics. The book disdains "paint" but allows that a delicate application of "cosmetics" is fine (the distinction between the two never being quite clear).

So, the bottom line is that yes, they did wear cosmetics during the Regency.
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Upstart Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 9 Location: oHIO

Ah, that brings up an interesting question I neglected to ask, although it was lurking in my thoughts. As interested as I am in the makeup itself, the more pertainant question is was it appropriate? Perhaps more accepted by married women and widows than unmarried or young women in general? And men? Appropriate or frowned upon?

Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject:

The two books I referenced above are targeted to young ladies, so yes, they did wear SOME cosmetics. Rouge and a little lip color were apparently acceptable. Much more than that would have been for older women and faster women.
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Viscountess of the Manor Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 1100