The Use of Medieval Makeup in the 17th Century

Added: 12/26/2005

In medieval Europe all sins were considered be of devil and were forbidden, including, certainly, medieval makeup. However, it is known that manufacture and selling of the 17th century makeup and perfumery have been advanced already in Italy since the I-IX centuries and the center of it was the city of Kopje (near Naples). The development of the 19th century makeup flourished.

The aromas, essences, grindings, grease paint means, lipsticks were produced and widely used in medieval makeup. From Italy, the art of cosmetics was brought to France. It is interesting, that in 1190 king Philippe-August issued the rules, giving the privilege to whose who had the right to prepare and sell all grades of spirits, powders, lipsticks, ointments for whiteness and clarifications of skin, a soap, fragrant waters, gloves and leather products. At that time, it was considered fashionable to paint the face, hands and neck. Even the blossoming and beautiful girls used medieval makeup. Painting was complex that women frequently invited artists for that purpose. At the same time, general hygiene was not a regular occurrence, and men and women seldom washed their face and hands

In the XVIth century it was accepted to cover the face with very thick layer of medieval makeup. The layer was so thick that it looked like plaster. The skin which looked most natural with vessels being seen was considered especially beautiful. Consequently, the veins were drawn at times on the face atop of whitewash, and powder was not removed for some days. The use of blush was excessive as well.

The black patches made of silk fabric in the form of small circle or any figures were popular. Women pasted them on the face, neck, breast, and each patch had the certain value. Therefore, the patch above a lip meant coquetry, on a forehead - grandeur, in a corner of an eye - passion.

The 17th century makeup included the use of powder. It was mixed with egg fiber and in such a way it was rendered on skin: the thicker, the better. The English queen Elizabeth I traced on a layer of powder blue blood vessels to give the skin a translucent kind. Later patches came into cosmetic set. First, they had practical value. People used patches to hide warts and pockmarks; they became an integral part of a make-up of that time.

The 19th century makeup gave birth to new trends - the superimposed eyebrows have appeared. They were made of slices of mouse rinds. The "fine" woman could captivate the heart of any man; therefore, the Senate in Frankfurt issued the decree that nullified a marriage if the man forced to marry a deceit, using different false means such as blush, whitewash, lipstick, superimposed hair, false teeth and so forth. The woman in that case judged for sorcery.

However, not only women took interest in medieval makeup. For example, the French man of the middle of the 17th century densely powdered the face, reddened cheeks and inked his eyebrows. Spots (usual reaction of a skin to white lead) were stuck with slices of black velvet. The ancient Egyptian brought black color for eyebrows and red for lips. Nails were painted in green color with the use of pulverized malachite. Even today, our appearance is the card on which people estimate us.

A beautiful person attracts sympathy and love. Therefore, the natural desire of a woman at any age is to look young and beautiful.

With the development of a human society, the cosmetics are being constantly changed. Alongside with concept make-up professionals use today concept in general. The make-up is the true art! Competently picked up colors, a form, a structure can favorably emphasize advantages and hide natural lacks of a person.

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