The Dark Truth Behind the ‘Natural Beauty’ Lie of the Victorian Era - Makeup History Lisa Eldridge

In Episode 2 of 3, I explore how the Victorians prized natural beauty above all else. I create a 'no make-up' look, on Queenie and demonstrate that all make-up is about illusion, but the natural look is the ultimate magic trick – disguising its own existence. In Victorian Britain, make-up was frowned upon. Women were supposed to be naturally beautiful, reflecting their inner purity. But I discover there were all sorts of sneaky ways to enhance your looks without being found out. It was also the era when so much of today's make-up had its origins, from mascara to brands that have survived into the 21st century. It was also the era of advertising and magazines promoting beauty ideals – many of which will feel familiar to viewers today. As I delve into this obsession with natural beauty and look at some of the products created to help achieve this look, I find out more about the Victorians love of science, their focus on hygiene and their desire for conformity. With all the products and knowledge I collect, I recreate the ideal Victorian beauty look on our 21st-century model, Queenie. And it takes more work that the Victorians would ever admit. When it comes to beauty, ‘natural’ isn’t as innocent as it seems. The Victorians believed that the condition of someone’s skin was an indication of their inner worth and found that it’s hard not to get tangled up in trickery, hypocrisy and downright lies. Directed by Lucy Swingler and Rachel Jardine Executive Producer - Kate Beetham Assistant Producer - Lily Bell BBC © Plimpsoll Productions Follow me on Instagram here: / lisaeldridgemakeup For all the products used in this film and for makeup tips and information visit my site : https://www.lisaeldridge.com Lisa Eldridge X Follow me on Instagram / lisaeldridgemakeup Follow me on Twitter at / lisa_eldridge Follow me on Facebook / lisaeldridgedotcom Follow me on Pinterest / lisaeldridge For the my full policy click here - http://www.lisaeldridge.com/info/