Like any fashion trend, makeup experienced fluctuations in popularity over the centuries, constantly evolving and improving. Read on to discover how women in Edmonton enhanced their appearance during the Victorian era. More on edmontonka.com.
The History of Makeup
In Edmonton, the concept of “makeup” as we know it today did not exist before 1870. Cosmetics referred to any substance applied to the skin for therapeutic purposes, including various pastes, powders, and pigments that helped women enhance their appearance.
Individuals with acne, scars, or facial blemishes often used pastes to even out their complexion. These products were typically purchased from local pharmacies, through doctors, or—if one was wealthy—ordered from specialized dealers in other countries.
During the Regency era (1811–1820), Edmonton’s aristocratic men began abandoning elaborate attire, wigs, and heavy face masks that had been fashionable in court circles. It is believed that wars influenced the perception of masculinity, prompting men to adopt a more austere appearance.
Women, too, used makeup sparingly. Post-French Revolution, rouge became an exception. Alberta’s clergy disapproved of painted women, citing biblical Jezebel and pagan immorality as examples. The church strove to instill values of purity and modesty in women.
Queen Victoria strongly condemned painted faces, associating heavy makeup with actresses and women of ill repute. Minimalism became fashionable, and most women used cosmetics sparingly.
Around 1850, women began using facial applications. One popular product was Crème Céleste, a mixture of white wax, sweet almond oil, and rosewater. This moisturizing facial paste concealed pigmentation and provided an even complexion. Over time, these applications evolved into cold creams used for makeup removal.
Beauty Secrets of Edmonton Women
As part of their morning routines, women plucked their eyebrows, trimmed their lashes, and applied castor oil to their eyelids. To conceal freckles, spots, or redness, they dusted problem areas with rice powder. Wealthy women often used an expensive alternative: pearl powder, a blend of bismuth chloride and French chalk that gave skin a white, luminous appearance.
For their lips, women applied a clear balm, often made of beeswax. Wealthier women used simple tinted lip balms to enhance their lip contour and color. Popular lip ointments were made from herbs and periwinkle flowers.
To give their faces a healthy glow, women rubbed their cheeks with carmine or beet juice. For brighter eyes, they added a drop of lemon or orange juice to each eye. Some even used poisonous belladonna drops to dilate their pupils, creating a radiant effect.
Eyeshadow, though less common, was applied subtly as eyeliner in black or red hues. Eye paints were made from a mix of lead, mercury, antimony, and other ingredients, which were applied with great care.
The Essential Makeup Storage Box
In Edmonton, it was customary to store cosmetics and skincare products in specially crafted boxes. These storage chests were expensive, often featuring secret compartments. Wealthy women owned elaborately designed boxes, while middle-class women often could not afford such luxury.
These intricately crafted boxes reflected the importance of beauty rituals during the Victorian era, offering a glimpse into the lives of Edmonton women at the time.