In the Victorian era many cosmetic products were produced with safer materials than in the past. But, due to Queen Victoria’s strict guidelines for morals among women, the popularity of cosmetics decreased. Women with questionable morals, such as prostitutes, were some of the few women to wear full makeup.
The hairstyles of the Victorian age were both beautiful and creative. These styles were created long before we had heat tools such as curling irons, straight irons and blow dryers. But, the women of this age still managed to create incredible hairstyles. The techniques used for washing, combing and styling the hair were as intricate as the actual styles.
An egg white wash was a regular hair treatment for women. Many writings from Victorian times include information on this wash. Four eggs whites were frothed together and placed on the hair until dry. Then, the egg whites were washed out of the hair with a water, rum and rosewater mixture.
Bathing techniques also had direct instructions and many writings from the Victorian era explain how to take a proper bath with mittens and soap. The instructions usually instruct to keep a bit of soap lather on the body because it will continue to improve the skin texture. The soap of the era was made with animal fats that would moisturize the skin.
