Beauty was very important in Elizabethan times both for men and women. The way in which they were portrayed to other people or artists painting their portrait was vital. The way they looked defined their personality and the background that they had come from. Pieces of clothing and specific products that were used on the skin mean different things to the upper and lower class. It was very important to define what class you were from and show off your wealth.

During Elizabethan times it was only the Upper class that wore a lot of makeup and had their hair in up do's / wigs made for them to wear everyday. The lower class did not wear makeup because 1. It was too expensive and 2. The working class were expected to work outside which therefore meant they got a sun tan.

The white, pale face represented wealth and nobility, showing that they were a part of the upper class. The main look that they achieved in those times for queens was light hair and very pale complexions. The pale complexions were achieved by a poisonous substance put on their face to dye their skin a white colour. The most common application was 'Ceruse' which was a mixture of White lead and Vinegar which was poisonous to the skin. ‘ The idea was that the dark patch or spot would further emphasise her pale complexion - the feminine ideal of all time.’ Queen Elizabeth used to draw a beauty mark with black kohl on her face to enhance the paleness of her skin.

In order to dye their hair a pale yellow they would use a mixture of saffron, cumin seed, celandine and oil. Through recreations and portraits of Elizabethan women it is obvious that they all tried to achieve a very similar look. They all had red hair and pale complexions with rouge accents to the cheeks and lips. Urine was also used to dye the hair or if they couldn't achieve the light, red hair tone that they wanted they would go bald and wear wigs.

A high forehead, arched eyebrows and bright eyes were also essential. They would pluck their hair line at least an inch back in order to create the illusion of a higher forehead because that was considered a sign of aristocracy.

Overall, the ideal beauty image of the Elizabethan times was set by Elizabeth I who had the perfect look for an elizabethan woman, she was idolised and recognised for this reason. The Elizabethan women was expected to show her wealth and authority through the makeup and hair styles that she wore. She would add hair pieces to show off what she was able to afford. ‘ Besides her role as visual communicator of family wealth, the Elizabethan noble woman played a role in the household.’ 

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