Face:
* Skin Whitening: A pale complexion was considered a sign of beauty, so women would use a mixture of ingredients like lead carbonate, vinegar, and egg whites to whiten their faces. This practice could be dangerous, as lead is toxic and can cause health problems.
* Blush: Women would use natural products like beet juice or crushed berries to add a hint of color to their cheeks.
Eyes:
* Kohl: This dark black or grey powder was used to line the eyes and define the eyelashes.
* Mascara: A mixture of charcoal or soot mixed with a binding agent like beeswax was applied to the eyelashes to darken and thicken them.
Lips:
* Tinted Balm: Some women used natural pigments or dyes derived from plants or insects to enhance the color of their lips. Bright red lips were not as common as in later periods.
Hair:
* Henna: Women would sometimes use henna to dye their hair, nails, and palms a shade of reddish-orange.
Fragrance:
* Perfumes: Aromatic herbs, spices, and essential oils were used to create scented oils, waters, and powders that women would use to fragrance their bodies, hair, and clothing.
Medieval hygiene practices and beauty ideals varied over time and across different regions of Europe. As religious ideas and fashions changed, so did cosmetic trends and what was considered acceptable in terms of make-up.