History of Tudor Cosmetics

During the Elizabethan era cosmetics were worn by upper class women and also women of Nobility. It was Queen Elizabeth I who set the fashions and make up trends. It was important that Queen Elizabeth I kept her image of a 'Virgin Queen' she did this by making sure her complexion was snow white which was complimented with red cheeks and red lips. A pale complexion could only be achieved by upper class women and not lower class women as they had to work outside which consequently gave them a suntan. A pale complexion was a sign of wealth and nobility. 

(https://hankwhittemore.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/elizabeth-1.jpg)

Queen Elizabeth achieved her image of a pale complexion by using white makeup. As you can see from the Portrait of Queen Elizabeth above that her skin is extremely white she achieved this my using makeup called Ceruse which is a mixture of white lead and vinegar, however this was poisonous as it was highly toxic and many women died rather young from lead poisoning. Elizabeth I would have also used this makeup to hid any signs of ageing. Face paints made from plant roots and leaves were also applied. For the cheeks and lips they used expensive dyes such as Cochineal to redden the cheeks and lips or they could use Madder and vermilion. Kohl was used to darken the eyelashes.

Websites Used

• http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-make-up.htm
• http://timesoftudors.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-ideal-beauty.html