Selling cosmetics in the 18th Century [book]

Upon the recommendation of my lecturer, however a book I would of consulted anyway, Selling Beauty in the Eighteenth Century is a book discussing the developing wear and manufacture of cosmetics as an industry. The book covers ground from before the glorious revolution, right through to the mid 19th century. Aristocrats would often cover themselves in thick layers of cosmetic paint, whilst quieter romantic characters wished to be more pale and less prominent through makeup. The luxury of the century meant everything grew in size, from the colourful dresses of women which grew width ways, to women hair which then grew upwards becoming more decadent than any jewellery worn to social events. Wigs became powdered thanks to Louis XIV, with colourful powders later being introduced. During the revolution the flouncy sleeves were toned down, men began wearing suits, the start of the three piece tailoring we see today. White powder was used to powder the wigs of Louis XIV courtiers, however this grew to the wider population as the wear of wigs became more enforced. Henry the III was

known to powder his wig, however as a degreaser rather than a colourant. White hair was the most expensive therefore the white and grey powders could immitate this on cheaper natural hair.  The colourant powder, later developed into lilacs and pinks to give women who wore a white wig a slight tinge of pastel paint to enhance their complexion. Although at the beginning of the century only aristocrats were able to afford these cosmetics, the opening trade through neighbouring France meant that by the mid century majority of the population was able to afford this, with simple paper containers full of product replacing the more upmarket aristocratic packaging available to the elite. The trade continued to pick up throughout the century, with men and women indulging in perfumes and powders to keep up the aristocratic appearances.

The book is an intense read, which delves into the style of cosmetics, the ingredients and applications. It will be especially important to quote the book when discussing authentic makeups rather than a simulated makeup.