Women’s Victorian makeup was a paradox. It was considered inappropriate for a lady to wear makeup – yet women found discrete and covert ways to wear it. Makeup appeared to be non-existent, but plenty of homemade recipes and shop-bought cosmetics tell another story! Here’s our look at women’s Victorian makeup in Britain.
The Victorian Era
In British history, the Victorian era is when Victoria was the Queen of the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland. She ruled from 1837 to 1901. Her reign of 63 years and seven months made her the longest-serving monarch of Britain at the time.
The Victorian era was a time of change, discovery and advancement. Political movements, technological inventions, and scientific breakthroughs were the mark of the Victorian age. There was also a great desire to reform and improve social problems. This drive to make life better for the masses lead to better working conditions, sanitation and education.
The Victorian era is also well-known for its moralistic approach to life. Queen Victoria was the very model of strict morals and conduct – and British society, on the whole, lived by this ideal.
Influences on Women’s Victorian Makeup
Queen Victoria
The Queen had dignity, decorum and a strict code of conduct. She declared that makeup was impolite – and this set the tone for the Victorian era. Only actresses and ladies of low morals would wear obvious makeup.
Despite her disdain for makeup, Victoria’s daily routine involved washing, skincare and dental hygiene. Cleanliness was perfectly acceptable, if not desirable, in Victorian society. Poor hygiene and disease were now linked, so using soap and being clean was encouraged. After all, a good Victorian was clean of body and mind.
Society’s Attitude
Victorian Britain was about conformity, etiquette and following the rules of society. To be part of polite society was not to stand out but to blend in and be the same as everyone else.
The privileges and rights of Victorian women were limited. Attitudes towards makeup (especially from men) were notably negative during the Victorian era. Wearing it was not the done thing – it was not part of a woman’s pure and angelic image. It was quite the paradox. A woman had to be naturally beautiful but not allowed to use anything to enhance that beauty.
Makeup was also considered deceptive and fraudulent. Additionally, it was linked to disease and criminal activity, like prostitution. Only someone of low morals would openly use makeup.
To be seen wearing or even buying makeup would tarnish one’s reputation. Additionally, the gossip fallout would be hard to come back from. However, for all the risks, women did use makeup. They just had to use it carefully and covertly.
Attitudes started to change towards the end of the Victorian era. For example, fashion was changing from restrictive clothing to items allowing more freedom of movement. Additionally, feminists were standing up and making their mark.
The attitude towards makeup was slowly changing alongside this. It was becoming more acceptable for a lady to own and use lip salve, powder and rouge.
Magazines & Advertising
Advancements in paper production and printing technology led to a dramatic increase in printed publications. In addition, the development of the railways meant that distribution was easier. It enabled Victorians of all social classes to enjoy a wealth of monthly magazines and papers.
Literacy was also increasing. Therefore, more women could embrace the articles on fashion, health and leisure pursuits. Articles often suggested that a lady should never let herself go. Beauty was the mark of good character and a woman’s duty was to find – and keep – a husband.
Advertising started with the advent of mass consumerism in the Georgian era. Now, publications had more advertisements, including those for cosmetic products. Makeup advertisements were often cunningly disguised as health aids or supplements. It was brazen, considering the overall negative attitude towards makeup.
A wealth of publications meant that cosmetic companies could now market themselves to a bigger audience. It led to brands becoming household names, like Pears and Rimmel.