Piper Jassem

Notecards

17th and 18th Century Standards of Beauty

Quote:

“Beginning in the 17th century and continuing throughout the 18th century, both men and women in England and France wore obvious cosmetics.  Gender differences were less important than class differences – cosmetics marked one as aristocratic and  à  la mode,  were adopted as well by those who were trying to rise in social status or become fashionable.  Makeup was not intended to look natural – in fact, it was called “paint” — but instead, “…to represent one’s aristocratic identity as declaratively as possible through cosmetic artifice.”  Women and men showed their respectability and class through white skin, and heavy makeup was considered more respectable than naturally light skin.”

Paraphrase:

• Both men and women wore cosmetics
• Gender difference was less important than class difference
• People used makeup when they were trying to rise in status or show off their status
• They did not want their makeup to look natural, it looked more like paint compared to the cosmetics we wear today
• Women and men showed their respectability and class through white skin
• Heavy makeup was considered better than just showing off your naturally light skin tone

My Ideas:

In 17th and 18th century, women and men were using makeup but no really how you think they would. In our modern world, we use makeup and cosmetics to make ourselves look and feel beautiful. In their world, they used cosmetics to show their status or to try and move up in it. Status was looked upon greatly and makeup played an important role in it. If you had extremely white skin or wore tons of heavy makeup, although you were more looked down upon if you just showed off your naturally pale skin. In our modern world, we sort of use makeup as cover up and try to make it look natural, they designed their makeup to look like paint. It was filled with lead and other bad poisons which caused many women and some men to get lung and heart because they put too much on their face and body.

I find it really interesting that w omen and men showed their respectability and class through white skin. This kind off used how racist they were and how looked down upon the African Slaves were. I wonder if the slaves had put anything on their faces once they got to America, to make their skin tones look lighter. Or what if their masters had made them wear makeup so the master could show off weath and status?

History:

Created: 11/01/2016 09:08 PM

Grace Burns

Source:

Walker, Kiki. The Milliner . Crabtree Publishing Company.

Quote:

“Suntans were not fashionable, so women wore mitts when she went outdoors. Mitts kept the sun off her hands and arms. In winter, leather gloves kept a woman’s hands warm”

“Masks protected women’s faces. In summer, women wore green silk half masks, to keep the sun away from their skin. They wore full masks of blacks silk or velvet in the winter to shield their faces from cold and wind.”

“Women wore plain aprons to protect their everyday clothes from stains, but wealthier women wore aprons adorned with lace and embroidery. Women wore these aprons to make a gown look fancier or to give it a new look.”

“Fashionable women carried silk or paper fans, not only to keep cool, but to accent their gowns. Young women flirted with their fans at young men.”

“Pear necklaces and chokers made with velvet, satin, or lace ribbons were popular colonial jewelry. Some, carried small portraits. Most necklaces and bracelets were strung on ribbons and tied with bows.”

“Some ladies carried small handbags to formal events. The purses were made of expensive fabrics and were decorated with beads and embroidery.”

“Milliners imported fancy shoes made of silk, satin, velvet, linen and fine leather. Shoes were decorated with embroidery and trims. Some shoes fastened with lace, others slipped on like slippers. Other shoes fastened with buckles. Some buckles had diamonds or other jewels. Women could switch buckles to create different looks.”

Paraphrase:

• Women would try to keep their skin lighter (masks and gloves)
• Women used unnecessary accessories to adorn themselves (aprons)
• Shoes were a woman’s prize possession, something they took pride in that separated the classes (milliners had them sent over from London) 
• Fans were used to attract men and keep cool (flirting with the opposite sex)
• Women wore jewelry with portraits of their loved ones on their necks and fastened them with ribbon
• Women would carry purses just for show which were also decorated

My Ideas:

Women in the 18th Century would take any measure to portray themselves as graceful and beautiful. The most popular look was a natural and innocent look. Women used gloves, masks and makeup to achieve a look of pure beauty. Gloves and masks would be worn in the winter and summer to protect delicate skin from the elements and achieve a fair complexion. I can infer that because at this time Europeans were enslaving Native Americans and African Americans that it was considered a disgrace to the Colony and Gentry Class (the slave owners) to have dark skin. One thing that I find unfair is the fact that the Gentry Class would wear aprons as accessories to embellish their gowns, not for practical purposes. Poor women wore aprons to protect their everyday garments from dirt and other things while laboring. Wealthy women also used fans made of silk or satin as accessories. These fans could be plain and simple or adorned with beads and embroidery. Women used fans to keep themselves cool and to flirt with young men. 

The shoes that these women wore were imported from London by milliners. Some were fastened with lace and others with buckles. Women took pride in their shoes because they reflected their wealth and social standing. Buckles were preferred for casual attire because they could switch the buckles to create different looks. I can infer that from a poor woman’s perspective, that seeing new accessories everyday on the shoes of other women made them want to marry wealthier men s that they could enjoy the same luxuries. I don’t think this was fair because the work of other women was not recognized or valued as much. Why were the women who didn’t work at all rewarded for taunting those less fortunate?

History:

Created: 11/03/2016 08:50 PM