Transforming a modern woman into a fashionable Roman using
reconstructed cosmetics based on original sources.
Meet Heather, a 21st century geologist who just happened to be in the
wrong place at the wrong time! She's about to be transformed into a
Roman fashion victim!
First the clothes have got to change. She wears a tunic made from linen
dyed with madder roots and secured on the shoulders with small clasps
and stitches. A light wrap known as a palla goes over the top.
Roman Baths, a moisturising layer of
cold cream is applied. This recipe
dates to the second century and was
devised by Galen.
A foundation layer of white paste is
applied. The rich favoured white lead
(pretty but poisonous), safer
alternatives include chalk and
orris-root. Recent discoveries by the
Museum of London have also revealed
that a paste of fat, starch and tin oxide
makes a very effective foundation.
made from red ochre. Roman writers
commented on the excessive use of
rouge by fashionable young ladies.
cosmetic grinder (something the British
did for the Romans) kohl, made with
lamp-black or galena is applied to the
eyes and brows. A dramatic effect is
aimed for with brows emphasised.
applied. This expensive spice was
loved by the Romans, who also added
it to perfumes as well as food.
Lips are made up with a lipsalve tinted
with alkanet root and ochre.
Her hair is dressed with bone pins and a
ribbon. A lavish application of perfume-
perhaps Krocinion or Megalion, finishes the
look.
An alternative method of dressing the hair
uses an outrageous false hairpiece.
You can find out more about
our experiments with Roman wigs here.
Finished, the fashionable Roman lady!
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Site created 29/10/01, last update
22/09/2006