Tudor Cosmetics

5 years ago Author: Claire Ridgway

3 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about skincare in the medieval and Tudor periods, the beauty ideal of the time and what ingredients were used in skincare regimens. You can view that video here. Today, I'm following on from that talk by looking at the cosmetics of the time.

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B November 29, 2019 at 12:56 pm

Timely article! I’ve been reading lots about cerise having mercury as an ingredient, and the alabaster shavings, lead, etc. We know Elizabeth I closest ladies made these products on a daily basis to ensure that they weren’t tampered with poison by her enemies. Did other ladies at court wear this type of makeup, in keeping with the idea that dying one’s hair and or beard, red to honor the Queen? I’m thinking of exploring this deeper, regarding any connection between Elizabeth’s periodic health scares (excluding smallpox) could have contributed to her belly pains and migraines? Where would I find a primary source with firsthand knowledge? Thank you, Claire! Great video!! A “Claire Chats” video on my theory?! 😘

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M December 18, 2019 at 6:22 pm

As usual thanks

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L January 17, 2021 at 11:48 pm

I think in 500 years, they will look at our medical practices with astonishment or horror more than make-up, which is tested up the whazoo in the US for toxicity (and I’m sure other industrial countries) before marketing. Kind of like we look aghast at the previous practice of draining blood to balance the humors for various illnesses. At least, as far as I know, they don’t use known poisons such as mercury or lead in makeup nowadays….😉. However, mascaras are made from petroleum-derived products, as are other products we use on the skin- just an FYI.

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Tudor Cosmetics

Further Reading

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