Why Elizabeth Wore White Makeup

Elizabethan Era, named after Queen Elizabeth I who ruled England from 1558 to 1603, was a period known for its extravagant fashion and unique makeup trends. One of the most distinctive makeup choices of the time was the use of white face powder. This practice has left historians wondering why Queen Elizabeth I and many other women of the era wore white makeup. Various theories have been formulated over the years, offering possible explanations for this fashion trend.

One plausible theory is that Elizabeth and women of her court wore white makeup to achieve a pale complexion as a symbol of their social status. In those times, a tan was associated with low social standing, as it indicated outdoor labor and working-class professions. Conversely, having a pale complexion was considered a sign of wealth and nobility, as it implied that one did not engage in manual labor or expose themselves to the sun. By exaggerating their paleness with the use of white makeup, Elizabeth and her courtiers showcased their higher social standing and aristocratic lineage.

Another theory suggests that the use of white makeup was a way to cover up and camouflage blemishes and skin imperfections. In the Elizabethan Era, smallpox was a prevalent disease that resulted in disfiguring scars. By applying white powder, individuals could create a uniform complexion and minimize the appearance of unsightly marks. Furthermore, the white makeup acted as a base for other cosmetics, such as rouge and lipstick, allowing these colors to stand out more vividly on the face.

There is also evidence to suggest that Elizabeth wore white makeup as a political statement. During her reign, England faced ongoing religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. White was associated with purity and innocence, qualities that the Protestant Reformation idealized. By adopting this fashion trend, Elizabeth might have been symbolically aligning herself with the Protestant cause, emphasizing her commitment to the new religious order and distancing herself from the previous Catholic monarchs.

Additionally, the use of white makeup can be viewed as a way for Elizabeth to project an ethereal and otherworldly image. Queen Elizabeth was known for her strategic use of clothing and jewelry to project an image of divine authority. By wearing white makeup, she enhanced this image, creating an illusion of an almost supernatural presence. This deliberate exaggeration of her appearance served to awe and inspire those who encountered her, further solidifying her power and authority as the ruler of England.

However, it must be noted that the exact reasons behind Elizabeth’s choice to wear white makeup remain somewhat elusive. Historical records and documentation from the era are not entirely comprehensive, leaving room for speculation and interpretation. It is possible that there were multiple factors that influenced this fashion trend, and the true reason may lie in a combination of the theories mentioned above.

In conclusion, the use of white makeup in the Elizabethan Era, particularly by Queen Elizabeth I, remains a fascinating topic for historians and fashion enthusiasts alike. The trend can be explained by theories of social status, the desire to cover skin imperfections, political statements, and projections of authority. Although the exact reason may never be definitively determined, it is clear that the white makeup played an instrumental role in shaping the distinctive beauty standards of the time, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of fashion and makeup.