Introduction to Elizabethan Make-up
The Elizabethan era is a time the development of make-up really came into its own. My understanding of it as of now is the pale skins, blushed cheeks and bleached or non-existent eyebrows. The Queen's pale skin tone was the inspiration for their contemporary beauty. White powder was foundation of the make-up trend (Fenja Gunn, 1973, pages 70-74). The iconic imagery and portraiture reflects the wide spread trends that the Elizabethan women embraced all the over the country. The iconic face was a combination of white, pink and red: a pale complexion, tinged with pink and red lips. (Aileen Ribeiro, 2011, 78-82). The portraits also expose Elizabeth's obsessed with a large forehead. I have learnt Elizabeth 'plucked her eyebrows and forehead to reveal a greater expanse of white skin' (Fenja Gunn, 1973, page 76). The method to conceal the skin was a combination of white lead and vinegar was preferred by the upper classes - the mixture being highly dangerous. The film Elizabeth (1998) is a great place to start for a contemporary take on the Elizabethan trend as it shows her development from before her coronation to becoming 'The Virgin Queen' - the opitimy of the Elizabethan ideals of make-up.
References
The Artifical Face, A History of Cosmetics. 1973 Fenja Gunn
Facing Beauty, Painted Women & Cosmetic Art. 2011 Aileen Ribeiro
Elizabethan Make-up http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-make-up.htm 2015.
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