Introduction to Victorian Beauty Ideals

During Queen Victoria's reign in England (1837-1901), beauty remained natural and almost makeup-free. Queen Victoria declared makeup as vulgar and that a pale, virtuous look was much preferred. Undetectable makeup was the trend and 'obvious rouging was seen as belonging to the realms of the theatre or signifying a woman of what was euphemistically phrased "low morals"' (Eldridge 2015). 

Women of high status would be dressed in high-waisted dresses "appeared light-boned and pretty, acting as a perfect foil for the handsome masculinity of her escort". The preference for youthful, virginal beauty mean that women would cosmetics which would artificially colour their complexions. Rouge and powder were applied sparingly with a hare's foot or a camel hair brush so they were barely noticed. "The Victorian ideal of feminity depended on an untouched, childlike appearance, soft ringlets and a virtuous manner" (Gunn 1973). "Fair skin and a lily-white hand were de rigueur to distinguish a lady from the weather-beaten working classes" (Marsh, 2009) and so concoctions made from sour milk, rain water, lavender and horse radish were designed to prevent sunburn or freckling. Harmful mixtures of the eighteenth century were replaced with herbs, flowers and oils and instead of using chemicals or poisons to promote healthy skin, women were advised to sit in well ventilated rooms, get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

References:

• Caitlin, L. (2015). Beauty, Bathing & Being a Victorian Era Woman.Available: http://www.xovain.com/makeup/victorian-era-beauty. Last accessed 6th February.
• Lisa Eldridge. 2015. Face Paint – The Story of Makeup. USA: Abrams Image.
• Fenja Gunn. 1973. The Artifical Face. United Kingdom: David & Charles (Holdings) Ltd.