1 year, 4 months ago
Why did Queen Elizabeth I wear white makeup?
I am curious why Elizabeth I wore white makeup. Was it fashionable at the time? If not, what was the reason?
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M$1 Answer
At that time, pale skin was a sign of nobility, wealth, and, for women, delicacy. But skin problems and the pox were common and sunscreen not yet available. So, to achieve this pale skin, those who could afford it would use a mixture of white lead and vinegar. This mixture was called ceruse.
Source: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/makeup.html
Source: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/makeup.html
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M$
Thanks, Bunnyphuphu. I only saw the movie. :-) Well, movieS.
I never really knew what was up with the white makeup, myself, until I just looked it up. I didn't realize or remember that QE had small pox.
Excellent answer @ramkitten!
Queen Elizabeth I survived a bout of small pox, but it left scars on her face and also took quite a bit of hair from her head. She was known to wear wigs and quite a bit of makeup to cover the scars.
(took many British History courses in University)