Tudor Cosmetics

Source: tudorerafashion.weebly.com/perfume--make-up.html

Make-up was worn to show their social position, status and rank. The more wealthier women would have a very pale complexion where as the poor women were always expected to work outside and therefore used to catch a suntan. 

In the Tudor times they wore very subtle make-up as it wasn't popular to be wearing heavy make-up at all. Queen Elizabeth used white make-up as this is what all the upper class women would wear, it was extremely popular to be looking very pale. The white make-up in which they used is called ceruse and it is made out of white lead and vinegar which was very poisonous to them. Plant roots and leaves were also used for face paint, as well as cochineal and red ochre which stained their lips and cheeks and to darken their eyelashes they used kohl.

It was also very popular for the rich Tudor women to have very light hair. They used a dye which turned their hair yellow and this was made from saffron, cumin seed, celandine and oil. A type of henna was also used to colour their hair and to also paint their nails. Queen Elizabeth I used a variety of wigs and hair pieces as well which also showed she had lighter hair, these were again very popular.

It was also important for the rich Tudor women to be wearing perfumes which were made out of roses, water lillies and violets. They also used creams and unguents made from honey, beeswax and sesame oil to help keep their skin looking soft.

Source: tudorerafashion.weebly.com/perfume--make-up.html

 

Source: themakeupgallery.info/age/1970s/elizabethr.htm

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