Tudor Cosmetics

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A Brief Overview On The Use Of Tudor Cosmetics
Anon N.D
It is often present in portraits that cosmetics were most definitely used. Elizabeth is always seen with the snow white skin, rose cheeks and a hint of red on the lips. As mentioned previously, pale skin was the ‘in’ look. Tanned skin was for people who worked out in the sun.

Unlike modern day make up and strict regulations on ingredients, anything went in Tudor times. It was acceptable to use lead and mercury in products to get the desired effect.

‘Physicians began to warn of the dangers of using poisons on the skin, not only white lead but also the mercury sublimate that was used at the time to remove facial flaws (Gunn, 1973).’

‘Fucus’ was made using red mercuric sulphide. This was more obtainable for the people who came from Aristocratic backgrounds whereas the poorer people would have considered blending ‘cochineal with gum Arabic, egg white and fig milk (Angeloglou, 1970)’

White faces were achieved by mixing poisonous chemicals together in a paste and applying them to the skin. The white face is more prominent in Elizabeth’s later years, when she was trying to still look young. This wasn’t just for the sake of beauty but if she looked weak or old it could have an effect on alliances with countries who didn’t want to be seen with a weak country. An ageing monarch was a problem. It could have potentially been the cause of any attacks from neighbouring countries.
Anon N.D

‘Ceruse’, a compound of white lead and vinegar or powdered borax, was used for whitening the face, while cheeks were reddened with ochre and sulphide. The practice of enamelling became popular with the face, once painted, being covered with egg white to create a ceramic porcelain finish. Cosmetics were also manufactured from a variety of animal and plant extracts such as pigeon wings, honey, eggs, lilies and ground-up shells. By the time of the Restoration, face make-up had become permissive within European society. No longer did women need to paint their faces in secret, because the use of cosmetics had become firmly established, particularly among women at court. Murkerjc (1983)


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