So, I do tons of research. All the time. And I realized that I don’t tend to post too much of it anymore! In an effort to rectify that, I’m going to take some of my teaching materials and put them together into articles & get them online.
My first effort: Women’s Hairstyles & Cosmetics of the 18th Century: France & England, 1750-1790. This discusses both what they did in the period, and the general looks of the era to aim for in reproduction. I’m contemplating adding an image gallery with more examples of hair & makeup looks from the period — let me know if anyone is interested.
Edited to add: I found it particularly fascinating to find that women in the 18th century DIDN’T usually wear full wigs, as that’s what I’d always assumed, and in fact been told by Those Who Should Know. Which explains why you don’t see obvious wig line in portraiture. And will make me stop feeling non-period when I incorporate my own hair into my wigs! I’m not giving up on the convenience of wigs, tho — they make getting ready for an event SO much easier.
If this seems useful, let me know and I’ll put up more! Other things I could pull together easily are: Venetian Renaissance (probably not needed, given the fabulous Realm of Venus site), and an overview of 1830s fashions. I’d also like to do more research on 17th & 18th c. beauty patches and 18th c. court dress. There’s lots more percolating in my brain/on my hard drive, but it’ll take a bit more time to pull those off!
