Index
Hairstyles
Foundation
Eye Brows
Eye Liner
Eye Shadow
Lips
“There is no single type of hairstyle: let every woman choose the one that suits her best after consulting her mirror. An elongated face calls for just one part, leaving the forehead free…A round face needs the hair to be gathered in a bun above, leaving the ears uncovered. For another, the hair should be worn down, falling over both shoulders…for another face the hair should be drawn back behind… Nor can I enumerate all the hairstyles; everyday brings new ones…” – Ovid
AUGUSTAN ERA 27 BCE – 14 CE
ORIGINALLY FROM THE ART OF LOVE III. 133-152
EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK, “WOMEN AND BEAUTY IN POMPEII”
Hairstyles
Hairstyles varied with time and social status. Some of the hairstyles for women become quite elaborate later in the 1st century CE. It is important to keep in mind that those people were upperclass/affluent and had servants/slaves to style their hair.
Elaborate
Wigs (either partial or full) are an option and period
There are several tutorials about how to use a needle and yarn to get the more elaborate styles
Simple and Common Styles
Part your hair down the middle
Make a bun at the base or middle of your head
Hairnets are also an option
Cosmetics: ”Milk & Roses”
Foundation
A woman wanted what was called a “Milk & Roses” look: A pale complexion with roses cheeks and lips. You want to lighten your skin, not make it clown white. This is in part because tanned skin says you work outdoors, which means lower-class. This still exists in some areas of the world today.
What I Use
Sally Pointer’s White Lead Substitute Foundation (£3.75): Apply like a powder foundation or the powder can be mixed with a facial moisturizer or cream.
Diaper Cream (credit: Katie Lewis): I use Hello Bello Diaper Cream ($7-8) as it’s hypoallergenic and a nice moisturizer. Pat on a small amount at a time with your hands until full coverage (mind your hairline because white hairs).
Alternatives
Zinc mixed with a moisturizer or a light foundation (moisturizer or powder).
Eye Brows
Thick eyebrows were the sign of fertility, promiscuity was thought to make the eye brows and lashes thin.
*Lampblack or Kohl
What I Use
Addictive Cosmetics Brow Pomade #4 ($9 + S&H)
This small container will last forever, natural, free of the big allergens, staying power, small independent company (Etsy & Website). Shipping time can be long.
Alternatives
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil in black ($2)
NYX Jumbo Eye (Brow) Pencil (black bean) ($4)
Eye Liner
Large eyes were prized and eyeliner really does the job. If you can handle using it (it took me awhile), it really makes the look.
Use: Lampblack or Kohl
What I Use
Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner ($6)
Alternatives
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner ($4)
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (black bean 601) ($4) – This can also be used as a brow pencil.
Eye Shadow
Eyeshadow can really make the eyes pop
*Ochre
What I Use:
Sally Pointer’s Yellow Ochre (£2.50)
Alternatives:
e.l.f. 18 Wonders Palette: mix Solar & Summer together ($14)
NYX Ultimate Petite Shadow Phoenix Palette ($6-$8)
Color match with other products
Lips
Use: Alkanet or Red Ochre
What I Use:
Dirty Made Clean Soap Company’s Rosy Color Balm ($5 + $4 S&H)
Sally Pointer’s Red Ochre (£2.50): Mixed with water or rose water
Alternatives:
Burt’s Bees Daisy Lip Balm ($5)
Tip: Use lip balm versus lipstick. Several colors of cosmetic grade ochre can be found online.