Queen Elizabeth I wore thick white makeup primarily to cover the scars on her face caused by smallpox. In 1562, she contracted the disease, which was a common and highly contagious illness during that time. Smallpox left her face marked with scars, which she found unsightly and wanted to conceal.
To hide the scars, Queen Elizabeth began to use white lead makeup. This makeup, also known as Venetian ceruse, was popular during the Elizabethan era and was made by mixing white lead with vinegar and water. It created a thick, opaque, and pale white paste that could be applied to the face. The white lead makeup helped to even out her complexion and mask the pockmarks left by smallpox.
However, the use of white lead makeup was not without its dangers. White lead is a toxic substance and can lead to lead poisoning when absorbed through the skin. It could cause a range of health issues, including damage to internal organs. Queen Elizabeth was aware of these risks but still chose to use the makeup, valuing her appearance and the image she presented as queen over her own health.
In addition to covering her scars, Queen Elizabeth’s use of makeup also served other purposes. During her reign, pale skin was associated with wealth and nobility. The upper class, including the queen, would often use makeup to achieve a pale complexion, as it was believed to signify a life of leisure indoors rather than outdoor labor. Queen Elizabeth’s use of white lead makeup therefore helped to reinforce her status and project an image of regal beauty.
As Queen Elizabeth aged, she faced additional challenges with her appearance. She suffered from hair loss, which was likely due to a combination of factors, including her use of lead-based makeup, aging, and possibly underlying health conditions. To compensate for her thinning hair, she would wear elaborate wigs and headpieces, which became an iconic part of her image.
Furthermore, Queen Elizabeth experienced dental problems and eventually lost most of her teeth. This would have affected her ability to eat and speak comfortably. It is believed that her dental issues were caused by a combination of factors, including poor oral hygiene practices and a diet high in sugar. The loss of her teeth would have further impacted her self-confidence and may have influenced her decision to rely on makeup to enhance her appearance.
Towards the end of her life, Queen Elizabeth became more reclusive and self-conscious about her physical appearance. She refused to have mirrors in her rooms, possibly to avoid confronting the changes brought on by age and illness. This withdrawal from mirrors suggests that she was sensitive to her own image and preferred to maintain a carefully constructed persona in public.
Queen Elizabeth I wore thick white makeup to conceal the scars left by smallpox and to project an image of regal beauty. Despite the risks associated with lead-based makeup, she prioritized her appearance and the perception of her status as queen. Her use of makeup also allowed her to adhere to the beauty standards of the time, where pale skin was considered desirable. As she faced further challenges with her hair and teeth, her reliance on makeup became even more pronounced. Her refusal to have mirrors in her rooms in later years indicates the extent to which she was concerned about her physical appearance.