PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Make up and hair styles have been around since the beginning of time but it is no doubt that men and women have tried to fit their era by the latest fashion, make up, and hair.
Some of the styles of the medieval times includes a generous amount of rouge, big dresses, and interesting hairstyle. Today we will look at some of the make up and hair styles of the medieval era.
One of the flour-based foundations comes from the L'ornement des dames in the 13th century. The white makeup was used to achieve the pale and porcelain look. The foundation is made by putting pure wheat in water for fifteen days, blend it in the water. Strain through a cloth, and let it crystalise and evaporate. You will obtain a make-up which will be as white as snow. When you want to use it, mix it with rosewater, and spread it on your face which has first been washed with warm water. Then dry your face with a cloth.'
One recipe for a medieval lip balm described as a 'sweet smelling grease that will keep the lips and hands from chapping and make them moist and soft' comes from the book Secrets of Don Alessio Piemontese, published in 1557. 'Take 12 oz of fresh suet and 6oz of marjoram and pound them together. Form into balls and sprinkle with good wine. Next put into some vessel and seal it tightly so that the odor of the marjoram does not escape. Place in the shade for 24 hours and then put into water. Cook slowly, then strain. This process must be repeated 4 or 5 times always adding another 9oz of suet. Finally a little musk or civet can be added.'
Rouge was a very popular feature on the face in the medieval era and even through the 1800s and Dried flowers of the safflower carthamum tinctorius were used to make one particular rouge.
Plaited and braided hairstyles were extremely popular during the medieval period for women of all ages. A high forehead was very desired on women especially royalty and eyebrows being thin and arched were very desired.
The hairstyles of the medieval era include a lot of braiding and twisting hair in varying styles. For married women their hair was usually put up some way but, for single women, they usually had their hair down. It was believed that in the church, the more concealed hair, the better.
The Renaissance era was a very interesting and fashionable era. Makeup has influenced generations since the beginning of time and history is very interesting to learn about particularly because you get to see how history has passed and what was in style and how makeup, hair, and fashion influences us today with news, internet, and magazines.
