Elizabethan make-up
Pale skin was something that was sought after in the 15th and 16th century, many of the makeup practices from the 15th century continued in the centuries after it, although new makeup ideas had been established. One of the most common makeup practices was obtaining a white skin base, this was made for white lead and vinegar and was rubbed on the face, neck and breasts; this was to keep the white base looking as natural as possible, covering the whole skin.
Lettice was considered a natural beauty of her time, she had the ideal look; her lips were small and pouted, her eyes where wide set, and she would use a cosmetic to enhance the colour and make them sparkle, poisoning her eyes in the process. Her skin was naturally pale and her brow high, she had hardly any eye brow hairs and would pluck them out for a larger forehead.
White lead:
https://cdsperiodictable.wordpress.com/2014/03/21/a-little-personal-history-about-my-life-as-lead, viewed 11.11.15, (digital image)
This powdered white lead was used by the wealthy and royal people of the 16th century mixed with vinegar to create the white base foundation for they makeup. This must have stung when applied to the skin and poisoned the skin, causing it to turn grey, dry and wrinkled. Women would also apply egg whites to the skin on top of the white base to seal the look, create a shiny shell like textured surface that also helped smooth out wrinkles.
Lettice Knollys
http://sicttasd.tripod.com/earl_of_essex_or_thomas_turgoose/index.album/lettice-knollys?i=12, viewed 11.11.15, (digital image)
This portrait of Lettice shows her slender face and pouted lips, an ideal look for a lady in the 16th century. She also has very pale skin, the portrait artist probably made her skin look better, in the sense of having a smooth look.
