SKIN HISTORY
The Edwardian Era
When pale skin, dark hair, and rouged cheeks were the look du jour
by Mary Barthelme Abel
THE DECADE OF 1901–1910, CALLED
the Edwardian Era, was named for
the time when King Edward VII, son
of Queen Victoria, ruled England.
Queen Victoria was against the "sin"
of makeup. Her death in January 1901 gave
rise to cosmetics (which had only recently
been mass produced), beauty counters,
and women's magazines that offered
tips on how to care for skin and hair.
A pale complexion was vogue, as tanned
skin was seen as "working class." Women
used lemon juice, white lead (which, of
course, is toxic), and rice or pearl powder
to make their skin appear lighter.
Blonde hair was out (can you
imagine?) and brunettes were in. And
cosmetics were completely natural: think
geranium and poppy petals to stain
cheeks and lips, and burnt matchsticks
to darken eyelids and brows.
Beauty salons in major cities became
popular during this time as well;
Edwardian women loved their facials. It
seems that the more things change, the
more they stay the same . . . lucky us!
Listen to the ASCP Esty Talk podcast at ascpskincare.com/podcasts 71
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