Victorian-era cosmetics

Many cosmetic products were aimed at achieving as pale a complexion as possible, as this would indicate a woman did not have to work outside, and was thus of high status.

However, that didn't mean women did not secretly concoct their own remedies and cosmetics to enhance features and hide imperfections.

Cold cream - consisting of water, oil, emulsifier, and thickening agent - became a staple in the beauty rituals of Victorian women.

[citation needed] Common skincare ingredients included rose water, glycerin and cucumber.

These substances were also corrosive to the skin because they contained lead, mercury, and arsenic so women would have to keep applying them to cover the damage.

Lip rouge was made from multiple ingredients such as animal fat, beet root, herbs, beetles and almonds, to produce a pink or red hue.

To achieve this, women put drops of perfume, citrus, or belladonna in their eyes - the latter an ingredient which would cause blindness if used for long enough.

[1] High society Victorian women went for natural beauty in regards to cosmetics to appear pure and youthful.