5 things you (probably) didn’t know about the history of beauty

5 min read

Lucy Jane Santos examines a selection of the cosmetic practices our forebears used in a bid to keep themselves looking their best

1 COLD CREAM IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST COSMETICS

Roman gladiators, such as the spear and shield-wielding men on this mosaic, are said to have used cold cream to treat their wounds

For centuries, people have relied on the benefits of cold cream to nourish and beautify their skin. The unique cosmetic, crafted from a combination of natural ingredients like olive oil, beeswax, rose petals and water, creates a soothing and refreshing sensation when applied, thanks to the evaporation of water on the skin.

The roots of cold cream can be traced back to the ancient times, specifically the second century AD, where it is believed to have originated under the guidance of the Roman Greek physician Galen. Initially formulated as a healing ointment for treating wounds, some believe that it might have been used by gladiators as they recovered from their gruelling battles.

As time progressed, the popularity of the product endured, earning its place in numerous recipe books and household manuals. In the 19th century, cold cream took a significant step forward by entering the realm of mass production. Companies like Boots the Chemist recognised its demand and began offering the coveted beauty product to the masses. Today, cold cream continues to hold its position as a widely accessible and popular skincare item.

A 1920s magazine advert extolling the virtues of Pond’s Cold Cream. The product is still sold by chemists and supermarkets today

CREDIT INFORMATION HERE

To hear Lucy Jane Santos discuss bygone beauty treatments on the HistoryExtra podcast, visit historyextra.com/beauty-history-qa

2 TINY FEET WERE THE PINNACLE OF BEAUTY IN 10TH-CENTURY CHINA

Chinese girls display their ‘lotus feet’, c1901. It has been argued that having bound feet was an indicator of high social status, and implied that the woman was exempt from manual labour

The practice of foot binding, which aimed to achieve the coveted ideal of delicate and petite ‘lotus feet’, originated in 10th-century China. This intricate process involved the breaking and binding of the toes (excluding the big toe) against the sole of the foot using strips of fabric, resulting in a painfully deformed shape. It could take three or four years for the foot to grow in this severely altered manner.

Initially confined to the imperial court, foot binding emerged from the legend of a court dancer whose feet resembled the crescent shape of the new Moon, captivating

This article is from...

History Revealed Magazine

6 July 2023

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