Medieval Beauty and Skincare: A Glimpse into the Past

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When we picture women of the Middle Ages, it's easy to imagine lives devoid of luxury, with beauty limited to the natural and untouched. Yet, history reveals a fascinating world of medieval cosmetics and skincare rituals, where women harnessed what natural ingredients were available to them to enhance their appearance. The pursuit of beauty was as alive then as it is today, though shaped by the constraints and resources of the era, and the use of natural ingredients connects us to these historical practices.

For medieval women, smooth, pale skin epitomised beauty, signifying nobility and leisure. Tanned skin, by contrast, was associated with outdoor labour. Achieving and maintaining a clear, unblemished complexion was a priority, made more challenging by the prevalence of skin ailments such as smallpox. Remedies ranged from herbal concoctions to the use of gemstones like amethyst, believed to cure pimples when applied with water or saliva.

Face creams were used then as now to make skin soft and supple. Most creams were made from animal fat, sometimes mixed with starch and added herbal extracts. Animal fat was useful for many things, and I read, with interest, how the Irish would use pig fat smothered on the hair and scalp to suffocate lice. Lotions and creams were also made from a beeswax base, often adding honey, oats, and almond oil to keep the skin soft and supple. Facial masks, scrubs, and ointments crafted from crushed berries, herbs, and flower petals were also popular.

Red Lips were seen as a sign of gold health, and lip colours were crafted from crushed flowers, beeswax, and even berries to create tints ranging from pale pink to deep red. These natural pigments gave lips a lively and alluring hue.

Eyes were defined using kohl, a mixture of lead, ash, and soot applied with small sticks or brushes. This technique darkened the eyelids and emphasised the almond shape of the eyes. Charcoal was often used to darken the eyebrows.

Despite what we hear about people not bathing, it was not unusual for the nobility to bathe with herbs such as lavender, chamomile, and rosemary, which were believed to soothe the skin and uplift the spirit.

Hair, a woman’s crowning glory, was treated with care and reverence. Ingredients like egg yolks, honey, and fragrant oil were used to maintain its health and shine and add a pleasing fragrance.

Although the women of the Middle Ages may not have had access to modern conveniences, their creativity and resourcefulness in pursuing beauty remind us of the timeless nature of self-care.