History of Beauty

Welcome to Jo's Beauty Room's fun fact article on the captivating history of beauty and beauty products. Join us as we travel through time, exploring how beauty standards and products have evolved from ancient Roman times to the present day. Spoiler alert: some historical beauty practices were quite bizarre!

We of course advise you NOT to try any of these 'fun fact' historic beauty treatments

Ancient Roman Beauty (27 BC - 476 AD)

In ancient Rome, beauty was serious business, and wealthy Romans were the original trendsetters of the time. They believed in the mantra, "Beauty is pain"—sometimes quite literally!

• Skin Care: Fair skin was the height of fashion, symbolizing leisure and wealth. To achieve this, Roman women used a mix of white lead and chalk, despite the toxic risks. Imagine having a glow so lethal, it could double as a weapon!

• Cosmetics: Red ochre and cinnabar were used as blush and lipstick. Eyeliner and eyeshadows were made from kohl and crushed minerals, giving that Cleopatra-esque allure.

• Perfumes: Romans loved their fragrances, with scented oils imported from the far reaches of the empire. Walking around Rome must have been like strolling through a giant, ancient Sephora.

Medieval Beauty (5th - 15th Century)

The Middle Ages brought a more reserved approach to beauty, influenced heavily by religious beliefs. But make no mistake, the quest for beauty never took a backseat.

• Pale Skin: The obsession with pale skin continued, with women using lead-based face paint. If you thought modern-day contouring was complicated, try not poisoning yourself while doing your makeup!

• Hair Removal: Women plucked their hairlines to achieve a high forehead, a sign of nobility. Because nothing says aristocratic beauty like a fivehead.

• Natural Ingredients: Herbal remedies were popular, with concoctions like honey and rosewater used for skin care. At least some beauty hacks were safe and sweet!

Renaissance Beauty (14th - 17th Century)

The Renaissance was a time of artistic and cultural rebirth, and beauty standards reflected this vibrant period.

• Complexion: Pale skin still reigned supreme. Women used ceruse, a dangerous blend of white lead and vinegar, to achieve a porcelain look.

• Cosmetics: Rouge made from crushed flowers and berries was applied to the cheeks. For eyebrows, soot or burnt cork was the go-to for that dramatic flair.

• Perfumes: Perfumes became more sophisticated, often inspired by the gardens of paradise. Smelling like a Renaissance festival was the ultimate goal.

18th Century Beauty

The 18th century took beauty to extravagant new heights, especially among the European elite.

• Elaborate Hairstyles: Wigs and towering hairstyles decorated with feathers, ribbons, and even miniature ships were all the rage. Forget bad hair days; they had high hair days!

• Makeup: Heavy makeup was a staple, including white face powder, bright rouge, and painted-on beauty spots. It was like carrying a miniature art exhibit on your face.

• Skincare: Despite the rise of lead-based products, natural remedies were still in vogue for those who valued their health along with their beauty.

19th Century Beauty

The Victorian era brought about a more modest and natural approach to beauty.

• Minimal Makeup: Discreet makeup was preferred, with a pinch of beet juice for a natural blush. The no-makeup makeup look was born!

• Skin Care: Homemade remedies like rosewater and oatmeal masks were all the rage for maintaining clear skin. Victorian DIY beauty, anyone?

• Hair Care: Hair tonics and oils, often homemade, kept hair healthy and shiny. Because even back then, hair goals were a thing.

Early 20th Century Beauty

The early 20th century marked the dawn of modern beauty products and the cosmetics industry boom.

• Commercial Cosmetics: Brands like Max Factor, Maybelline, and Revlon emerged, revolutionizing beauty routines. Your great-grandma's vanity was getting an upgrade!

• Flapper Style: The 1920s introduced the flapper look with bold makeup, dark eyes, red lips, and bobbed hair. The roaring twenties were indeed roaring with style.

• Hollywood Influence: Hollywood glamorized flawless skin, red lips, and defined eyes, setting new beauty standards that would last for decades.

Mid 20th Century Beauty (1950s - 1970s)

Post-World War II beauty standards evolved rapidly with cultural shifts and technological advancements.

• 1950s: The era of Marilyn Monroe brought about a focus on hourglass figures, red lips, and perfectly styled hair. Retro beauty was all about glamour.

• 1960s: The mod look of the 1960s featured bold eye makeup, pale lips, and sleek, geometric hairstyles. Think Twiggy and her iconic lashes.

• 1970s: The 1970s embraced natural beauty and the hippie aesthetic with minimal makeup and natural hair. Peace, love, and organic lip balm!

Late 20th Century Beauty (1980s - 1990s)

The beauty industry saw significant changes and innovations during the late 20th century.

• 1980s: Bold, colorful makeup, big hair, and an emphasis on fitness and tanning defined the decade. The bigger, the better—especially when it came to shoulder pads and hair volume.

• 1990s: Minimalism took over with the grunge look, featuring natural makeup, dark lipstick, and straight hair. Less was more, and plaid was everything.

21st Century Beauty

The 21st century has seen rapid advancements in beauty products and a shift towards inclusivity and diversity.

• Diverse Beauty Standards: Today, beauty standards celebrate all skin tones, body types, and personal styles. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder—and everyone else, too!

• Natural and Organic: There's a growing demand for natural and organic beauty products. It's cool to care about what goes on your skin and in the environment.

• Technological Innovations: Advanced treatments like laser therapies and customized skincare solutions are all the rage. Because who doesn't love a good gadget with their glam?

• Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have revolutionized beauty trends. Influencers and celebrities are the new beauty gurus, with tutorials and product reviews shaping what we buy and try.

Beauty at Jo's Beauty Room Today

At Jo's Beauty Room on Vernon Road, Nottingham, we blend the rich history of beauty with modern innovations to offer safe, effective, and personalized treatments. From advanced lip augmentation techniques to rejuvenating facials, we provide a range of services designed to enhance your natural beauty.

• Lip Augmentation: Achieve the perfect pout with our Natural and Russian Lips Augmentation treatments.

• Anti-Wrinkle Treatments: Say goodbye to wrinkles with our targeted Anti-Wrinkle treatments for 1, 2, or 3 areas.

• Facial Treatments: Revitalize your skin with our Chemical Peel, Micro-Needling, and Dermaplaning services.

• Wellness Shots: Boost your energy and wellness with our Vitamin B12 shots.

At Jo's Beauty Room, we prioritize safety, quality, and personalized care, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment. Our commitment to excellence reflects in every service we offer.

Why Choose Jo's Beauty Room?

When you choose Jo's Beauty Room, you're choosing a partner in your beauty journey. Our dedication to quality, safety, and personalized care ensures that you receive the best possible treatment every time. Discover the Jo's Beauty Room difference today, right here in Nottingham.

By understanding the history of beauty and its products, we can appreciate the advancements and continue to innovate in providing exceptional beauty care at Jo's Beauty Room. Ready to join our beauty community? Book your appointment today and become part of our family at Jo's Beauty Room, where history meets modern beauty on Vernon Road, Nottingham!