Caroline Dubois – Capa Drama / Banijay Studios France / Les Gens / Canal+ by way of PBS
Cosmetics would’ve served one other objective as nicely, based on the make-up artist, who mentioned it helped “masks the situations.”
On the time, cosmetics had been formulated with lead—a poisonous steel recognized to trigger hypertension, kidney harm and different well being points, per the World Health Organization. Specifically, the most well-liked pores and skin whitener used amongst royals and different aristocrats was known as Venetian ceruse or Spirits of Saturn. The lead-based product would’ve left the wearer with scars, spots and disfigurements, which is why they’d apply extra layers of it onto their face to cowl up their imperfections. Thus, creating a vicious cycle.
Advertisement
Marie’s devotion to magnificence went past portray her face although.
In her analysis, Mathilde found that the empress concocted her personal elixirs, creating the well-known face wash Eau Cosmetique de Pigeon—”which, sure, was crafted utilizing the fowl itself,” the make-up artist shared. “In keeping with the Toilette of Well being, Magnificence, and Vogue, the recipe included the juice of water lilies, melons, cucumbers and lemons, in addition to the crumbs of French rolls, white wine and stewed pigeons.”
Marie would then tone her pores and skin with Eau des Charmes, an astringent product of drops exuded by grapevines in Could.
“Her signature face masks, which continues to be common in France at the moment,” Mathidle famous, “was comprised of two teaspoons of circulation-stimulating cognac, 1/3 cup of dry milk powder, brightening lemon juice and one egg white.”
