What did Victorian women look like or want to look like?
The makeup of this era was somewhat demure and delicate. The rise of Queen Victorian saw a decline in the use of cosmetics. The Victorian era was dominated by a strict moral, religious and modest code. Cosmetics were often seen as immoral and somewhat frowned upon. Women were still thought of as being the weaker sex and being compared to delicate flowers, this was reflected in the styling of the makeup.
Therefore, a pale complexion was desired. This could be achieved by drinking vinegar and avoiding the sunlight. Often women would apply some rouge to the cheeks, however this would still be very subtle and gently applied.
Actresses and prostitutes would wear the most makeup, this would still be made using homemade remedies such as berries and beetroot to colour the lips. Eyeshadows were made with lead and atimony sulphide.
A pale complexion referred to the class of the lady. An upper class lady would not work therefore her skin would be lighter than that of a working woman. Women would often stay in rooms that were sheltered with heavy curtains that blocked out the light and even painted light veins on their face to give the appearance of this pale complexion.
What about the hair?
In terms of the styling of Victorian hair, women usually did not cut their hair and often added hair pieces to their original hair.
Hats were also an important part of the overall look of the hair. Hair was often parted down the middle, curled and then pinned back.
Only in an informal occasion would a Victorian woman leave her hair down. Victorian hairstyles became more complex towards the end, women started to use hot irons on their hair to curl and weave the hair.
Images and information sourced from
http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2010/08/06/beauty-in-the-victorian-age/
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