Title: Makeup & Hairstyles of the 1700s | LEAFtv
Headings: Makeup & Hairstyles of the 1700s
Makeup & Hairstyles of the 1700s
Content: Some women in America adopted the wider and fuller styles favored in Europe. Men's wigs and hairstyles did not change during this period, either in Europe or America. Cosmetics were widely used by both aristocratic men and women during the 18th century. Cosmetic use built up during the course of the century, peaking in the 1770s, and then fading into a more natural or less artificial look by the 1780s. Britain consistently favored a less made-up look, but cosmetics were still widely used. The wealthy painted their skin with a very white base makeup made from lead. They applied rouge or blush in strong, red patches on the cheeks, often in an inverted triangle shape. The same rouge was used to paint lips. The middle classes also began to use cosmetics in the 18th century, but chose a more natural style, with well-blended, pink-toned rouge and lip color rather than harsh reds. Rouge could be made at home using red flowers simmered in oil.