Cosmetics (Lacquering) Presentation Write Up

Cosmetics (Lacquering) Presentation Write Up
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In 18th century European obsession with beauty and fashion was clearly represented in portraits, where women were represented in white complexion, rosy red cheeks and towering hairstyles. Lacquering cosmetics were common in parts of Europe from the early 17th century and throughout the 18th to 19th century. Lacquering cosmetic were mainly applied by women to look as whiter as possible rather than natural they applied heavy make-up, there was emphasis on having red cheeks (mouches) and lips. While men also applied the heavy makeup, it was mainly women who followed the beauty standards. While people used the make up to hide their skin problems, it was the upper class who mainly applied the cosmetics, as is represented by portraits during the era.
In 17th century Britain and France, the perception of what was the ideal beauty had started changing as there was greater emphasis on cosmetics to enhance beauty. The use of cosmetics represented class differences rather than gender differences, as the aristocrats adopted cosmetics to signify their social status and remain fashionable. White skins with heavy make-up were respected more than the naturally light skin. The French people w...