Miss Havisham

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/171/9/5/miss_havisham_ii_by_katbjorky-d545ynh.jpg

Miss Havisham of Satis House is a significant character from the Charles Dickens novel Great Expectations. Miss Havisham is a wealthy spinster who was once in love and set to marry but was left at the alter by a man by the name of Compeyson, unfortunately he was only interested in her riches that she had inherited from her wealthy father. Miss Havisham had very little family but related to the pocket family who had forewarned her about Compeyson, however she was too in love to listen. She ended up being jilted at the alter causing tremendous heartache and embarrassment, she then locked herself away from the world.

Miss Havisham was so heartbroken she stayed away from sunlight and outdoors, remained in her wedding dress and left the wedding buffet exactly as it was. Her dress was ragged and her hair which was probably curled for the big day resembled a messy nest. The wedding buffet that was probably an amazing spread due to her wealth was covered in cobwebs and dust along with the rest of the house.

She had an adoptive daughter 'Estella' who she trained not to love due to her experiences.

Victorian Beauty

Victorian Beauty

http://mentalfloss.com/article/56229/how-look-proper-victorian-lady-11-easy-steps

The Victorian Era was extremely strict when it came to beauty and cosmetic, this was due to high religious values. Make-up would normally be frowned upon and only be associated with actress and working girls. They would wear strong make-up where the traditional Victorian would have a paler toned complexion and long curls.

However women of leisure would have plucked brows and apply powders, this would range from rice powder to an expensive form known as pearl powder this would give a silky appearance and lastly beeswax to add shine to the lips

The paler toned complexion of a Victorian woman showed a symbol of a woman of leisure, which therefore meant plenty of time outdoors, this would cause a tanned look which today is seen as beauty but in the Victorian era tanned skin would symbolise a woman who worked long hours in the sun.

Although make up was frowned upon women would still wear a sneaky amount of minimal make-up, rouge was an exception.

Skin are was slightly more popular during this era, and at around 1846 a company called pond was formed. They had two facial creams 'Pond's Cold Cream' & 'Pond's Vanishing Cream'. The company later became sisters to Cutex nail polish brand and Matchabelli perfumes, the two creams are still used toady.

http://www.historyworld.co.uk/content/ponds.jpg

Around 1850 'Creme Celeste' became popular for women to use, this was a mixture of white wax, spermaceti (an organ found in sperm whales head), rose water and almond oil. It was paste like texture with high moisturising properties. It could reduce the appearance of blemishes and gave a smooth look.