Victorian makeup

• Mathematics
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Victorian Makeup

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will understand the societal expectations of beauty during the Victorian era.

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify the types of makeup products used in the Victorian era.

At the end of the lesson you will comprehend the health implications and controversies surrounding Victorian makeup.

At the end of the lesson you will learn about the ingredients and methods used to create Victorian beauty products

What do you know about Victorian beauty

Look at these two images

Discuss and take notes: What are the key themes of the look

Share your findings

Did you know 

That makeup was frowned upon in Vcitorian times and was only seen fit for acresses and prostitutes.  

Many ingrediants in makeup were toxic such as lead, mercury and amonia 

A pale complexion was seen as a social status and someone of higher class

cosmetice were bought secretly via the back door of a chemist 

Homemade cosmetics contained ingredients such as: rose, almond, elderflower, sugar, lavender, oatmeal, and lemons. Flowers were soaked in water and made into a nice face wash. Sugar scrubs cleaned the skin and opened pores 

Victorian beauty standards

The ideal nineteenth century beauty had pale, almost translucent skin, rosy cheeks, crimson lips, white teeth, and sparkling eyes. She was waspishly thin with elegant collarbones. However, physical appearance alone was not enough to ensure that one would be seen as beautiful or socially acceptable.

Natural Beauty: 

Victorian beauty ideals emphasised a natural, delicate appearance. The "English Rose" complexion was highly prized, characterised by pale skin, rosy cheeks, and an overall youthful, innocent look

Pale skin:

Pale skin was a sign of high social status, as it indicated that an individual did not need to work outdoors.

Women often went to great lengths to maintain a fair complexion, using parasols, bonnets, and even skin-whitening products.

Rosy Cheeks and Lips:

A hint of natural color on the cheeks and lips was also considered attractive. This was often achieved subtly and without the obvious use of cosmetics

Hair:

 Hair was usually worn long and elaborately styled. Ringlets, buns, and intricate updos were common, often adorned with ribbons, flowers, or other decorative accessories

Makeup was often associated with immorality and deceit. Wearing noticeable makeup could lead to a woman being perceived as promiscuous or of low moral character. 

Respectable women were expected to appear naturally beautiful without obvious cosmetic enhancements

Deadly makeup

Some Victorian women would nibble on wafers made of deadly arsenic to achieve bright eyes and a translucent complexion. They would also use drops of belladonna in their eyes to dilate their pupils and make their eyes look bigger. Belladonna is also known as deadly nightshade and in high concentration can cause blindness. A cheaper alternative was lemon or orange juice

Skin issues such as pimples, freckles and blemishes were considered shameful, and women only ever bought their cosmetics in secret. Different powders were available in white, blue, and pink, to hide these blemishes or counteract the yellow glow of candlelight. Even then, the powder was used sparingly, just enough to hide any shine and marks. Some businesses had secret back doors for their wealthy female clients, and most women hid their makeup in old prescription bottles.

 Homemade remedies and natural ingredients, like beet juice for lip color or rice powder for the face, were preferred.

Skincare was more acceptable than makeup. Women used a variety of lotions, creams, and natural ingredients to achieve smooth, clear skin. Recipes for homemade skincare treatments were popular

Actresses and Performers:

 Makeup was more acceptable in the context of theater and performance. Actresses and performers had more leeway to use makeup, but this also contributed to the stigma surrounding cosmetics, as these professions were not always held in high regard.

Social Change: 

Toward the end of the Victorian era, attitudes began to shift slightly. With the advent of new cosmetic products and changing social norms, the use of makeup became more acceptable, setting the stage for the more liberal attitudes of the early 20th century. 

What was often used for Victorian skin whitening?

1. Lead-based powder
2. Rice powder
3. Sunblock lotion

What was used to enhance Victorian eyebrows?

1. Eyebrow gel
2. Pencil
3. Charcoal

Which color was popular for Victorian lips?

1. Neon pink
2. Deep red
3. Crimson

What was a common Victorian makeup product?

1. Lip balm
2. Face powder
3. Watercolor paint
4. Rouge