Elizabethan cosmetics

In the Elizabethan era pale complexion was considered to be a sign of prestige. At the time, only the rich women could afford to have fair skin because poor ones would work outside and that resulted in a tan. To achieve pale skin, wealthy women of the time would use several different things. The most common ways to whiten skin was to use Ceruse, a foundation made with white lead and vinegar (this was poisonous!)  Others used eggs white for both fake a paler complexion and to hide wrinkles.

In the Elizabethan era, women used black kohl on their eyes to make them look darker. Also the eyebrow was kept thin and arched, which would create a high forehead (a high forehead was considered to be a sign of intelligence). For this reason, women would pluck their eyebrows a lot to achieve the desired look.

During the Elizabethan period, red cheeks and lips were very popular. To achieve them, women would use cochineal on the cheeks. Cheeks were also reddened using a mixture of egg white and ochre’s. Cochineal was also used on the lips, which could also be reddened by using a red pigment obtained from mercury.

The product used to achieve a white complexion, would often create all types of skin problems. To get rid of blemishes, wrinkles and spots the Elizabethans would use lemon juice or a mixture of eggshells, alum, mercury and honey.

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 http://punkd-pyroshadow.deviantart.com/art/Elizabethan-Make-Up-343603192

http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2010/05/20/beauty-history-the-elizabethan-era/

http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-make-up.htm