Discover some amazing Victorian beauty secrets with these 5 natural skin care recipes from Queen Victoria herself.
Throughout history, women from all walks of life have sought ways to maintain their beauty, experimenting with a variety of skin and hair care methods. Queens and empresses were no exception, and many of their beauty rituals and recipes have been preserved as timeless inspirations for today’s women. In this article, we’ll uncover five natural skin care recipes inspired by Queen Victoria’s era, offering you a glimpse into the beauty secrets of one of history’s most fascinating rulers. These Victorian beauty recipes showcase the power of natural ingredients to promote radiant skin and hair. But first.
Victorian Beauty Secrets from Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria of England, who ruled during the 19th century for an impressive 63 years, was more than just the Queen of England—she was also Empress of India and the sovereign of the vast British Empire. The Victorian era, named after her, was a time of significant growth and innovation. Though not traditionally considered a great beauty, Queen Victoria is remembered as a strong, intelligent woman who took meticulous care of herself, as evidenced by her iconic portraits. Here are some of the best-kept Victorian beauty secrets that have survived the passage of time.
- Fair and Natural Skin – Heavy, mask-like makeup and sickly pale complexion favored in previous centuries had given way to a preference for a more natural appearance. Queen Victoria emphasized her natural beauty, enhancing it subtly. Fair skin, carefully shielded from the sun, was highly prized as a sign of aristocracy, while long, luscious hair styled into intricate updos completed the ideal look.
- Rosy Cheeks – Makeup, or “paints,” had fallen out of favor during this period, but Queen Victoria had her own beauty tricks. To achieve a rosy glow, she used a touch of beet juice on her cheeks and dusted her nose with a hint of rice powder to reduce shine.
- Tainted Lips – She applied a pomade to her lips to add smoothness and a subtle sheen.
- Floral Face Wash – In her youth, Queen Victoria’s complexion was described as “regal,” with the fresh appearance of a blooming flower. To care for her skin, she washed her face with a combination of rose water and vinegar.
- Natural Skin Masks – She also used natural face masks made from oats, honey, and egg whites to brighten her skin. For freckles and dark spots, she applied a tincture made from agrimony tea twice a day.
- Body Washed – For smooth, radiant skin on her body, the Queen relied on warm baths infused with wheat bran or oats, followed by gentle exfoliation with a cloth.
These timeless Victorian beauty practices reveal a dedication to natural care that remains inspiring to this day. Now let’s get straight to the natural skin care recipes from Queen Victoria with instructions.
5 Natural Skin Care Recipes from Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria’s beauty rituals included a variety of natural recipes that were both simple and effective. Here are some authentic Victorian-era skin care to refresh your skin and hair, inspired by her practices:
1. Victorian Skin Lotion
Mix equal parts lemon juice, egg white, and brandy. Apply this lotion to your face every evening, and you’ll notice refreshed and rejuvenated skin within days.
2. Lily Water for Cleansing and Brightening
In a cup of boiling water, add a handful of lily petals. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and use it to cleanse your face every night for a naturally radiant complexion.
3. Soothing Victorian Skin Cream
Combine (over gentle heat) 8 parts fresh pork lard, 1 part beeswax, and 1 part lavender oil (infused, not EO). Use this cream to soften dry or wrinkled skin or to soothe rough areas on the body.
4. Queen Victoria’s Face Mask
Grind two tablespoons of peeled pumpkin seeds into a fine powder. Add enough milk to form a thick paste, then mix in a little cream and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to the face and leave on for 30 minutes for a brighter, even-toned complexion.
5. Victorian Hair Care for Luster and Shine
To nourish the scalp, steep two handfuls of rosemary and 2–3 tablespoons of honey in a liter of white wine for one week. Strain the mixture, add 2 tablespoons of almond oil, and shake well. Massage into the scalp regularly. For a rich chestnut shine, Queen Victoria used a mixture of lemon juice, rhubarb juice, and saffron to enhance her brunette hair with coppery highlights.
Read Also: Grandma’s 9 Baking Soda Skin Care Recipes
Now you know what Her Majesty the Queen used to maintain a beautiful fair complexion and smooth, silky hair. These Victorian beauty recipes showcase the power of natural ingredients to promote radiant skin and hair. Try incorporating them into your routine for a timeless, royal glow!
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