My Historically Inspired Makeup Routine (to Match My Daily Historical Clothes)

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you all for watching! What historically inspired elements do you try to add into your own life (if any)?

[@melissamelissa2603]

I like to source quality places to get ribbons thread and fabrics at the best prices. I’m currently looking for a good place to get ribbons that aren’t polyester, for my Victorian inspired ribbon embroidery projects! I also would love it if you already happen to know of a good place! I cook historical herb recipes so that my food is more affordable than going out or buying cheap foods from the store. It’s the poor man’s way of adding a little flavor.

[@AragornElessar]

I comb out my hair every evening and put it in braids with satin ribbons. In winter I like wearing long 1890's skirts to stay warm.

[@lillianhansen5464]

This was wonderful! It was certainly better than any other makeup tutorial that I have watched.😁 I haven’t seen any other video like this in the costuming community so it was interesting to watch. I like how you are taking chances and doing videos that no one has really done before. And I’m glad that you have remained consistent and haven’t given up because you have an eye when it comes to aesthetically pleasing editing while still getting your point across. Thank you for this wonderful video, I must get up out of bed now and start my day *sigh* haha!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you very much, Lillian! And I really appreciate you acknowledging my willingness to take risks here and post some different content. I've never liked to do things by the book to be honest, and the great thing about KZbin, is if something doesn't work one week, you always have the next week to give it another try. Whatever "working" means on KZbin anyways, because frankly I'm happy if at least one person benefits from the content 😊 I hope you enjoy your day!

[@cydile]

I'm not a huge fan of wearing makeup myself, but I am definitely going to save this video for future reference when I need it. I can see why you don't do the whole routine every day, because it definitely isn't needed. Also, unrelated to the makeup itself, your smile is so pretty! I must say, your filming and editing skills are getting very good. This type of video is hard to get right and you absolutely nailed it. Beautiful all the way through!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much, Maia! I'm glad that you can at least save it for future use, because you never know when you might need makeup for some event (and why not historically-inspired makeup as a little ode to history? 😂) I really appreciate all the compliments. And I think re: my editing and filming skills improving; having to practice them this much REALLY helps, so I'm grateful for all the people who watch this channel (yourself included), because they encourage me to keep practicing and growing these skills 😊

[@tinuvianna]

You are so beautiful, with and without makeup! Thanks for the detailed tutorial. I especially love that you use the same rouge for lips and eyeshadow.

[@colinmccormack1728]

I grew up in a small Ayrshire town famous for lace weaving and graphite was used as a lubricant on the looms, but everybody referred to it as black-lead. I suspect the mention of black-lead in The Toilet of Flora probably refers to graphite.

[@jaehaywardkent]

ahhh this was so fun and interesting to watch!!! i loved the integration of facts with the tutorial!!❣️

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you, Jae!! Wouldn't be a V. Birchwood video without at least one historical fact 😂

[@katherinemorelle7115]

It’s funny- I also have somewhat sensitive skin, and it’s for that reason that I gravitate toward synthetic chemical ingredients a lot more. There’s two reasons for that- if it’s made in a lab, the strength and concentration is stable, without being affected by variables such as weather, and secondly because I’ve found a lot of “natural” products use essential oils- and they’re what I’m most sensitive to. So in both my skincare and my makeup, I prefer synthetic ingredients that were made in labs (the molecules look the same, but they definitely don’t have strength or concentration issues like naturally grown stuff can have. No one could ever tell the difference between a lab created molecule of water, or one taken from the the purest spring- they’re exactly the same). I have also spent a fair amount of time learning about skincare and what my skin needs (specifically to treat my dry, dehydrated, and rosacea prone skin), and now that I’ve got a bit of a handle on that, I tend to go without makeup a lot more. Either I wear nothing, or I might wear a little powder, blush, eyebrow powder and maybe some mascara. Basically- I go for a very similar look to in this video. The most prominent thing I use is blush. Because I really love the look of 18th century paintings, and their rouged cheeks. And you’ve recreated that look so perfectly! It’s such a wonderful look- a healthy, natural, and youthful look.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I also love that you mentioned sunscreen! My current favourite is the Biorè Aqua Rich SPF 50+ Braid Spectrum. It is an organic sunscreen (as opposed to mineral, which is the zinc and titanium ones). I tend to prefer the organic (chemical) sunscreens as I have a naturally olive tone, and most mineral sunscreens leave a white cast on my face. The Biorè one is Japanese. I tend to stay far away from American sunscreens - a lot of American sunscreens are nowhere near as good as European, Asian, or Australian sunscreens. I like Asian ones for my face, as they’re non greasy and very lightweight, while also being very hydrating. For my body, I prefer Australian sunscreens- Australia has the most stringent standards when it comes to sunscreens and testing. Not surprising, given we have the strongest UV in the world. Also, Aussie sunscreens (especially the ones sold in supermarkets), tend to be real workhorses- best for spending full days at the beach, and that tends to be what they’re made for. Which is why a lot of the cheaper sunscreens here are so much heavier. But we do also have some excellent, very lightweight facial sunscreens as well, they just tend to be the ones you buy at skincare places as opposed to the supermarket. America does unfortunately lag behind a lot- I swear the FDA thinks it’s still 1980, and they have only approved two chemical/organic filters: avobenzone and octinoxate. The problem is- they’re just not very good. Avobenzone isn’t even particularly photo stable. So I think that if you (general you) are stuck with US sunscreens, I definitely would go for the better mineral filters. But, if you can import the European (the Euro version of La Roche Posay’s Shaka Fluid is amazing, and is very different to the one sold in the US), Asian (again, Biorè is great), or Australian (Ultra Violette or Bondi Sands are really good facial sunscreens), then go for that. But you’re in the UK, so I assume you’ve got access to all the European sunscreens. Another thing is that for some with sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens can be less irritating- it’s just that for me personally, I’m able to find non irritating organic (as in, made from organic, non mineral material) sunscreens, and I prefer those as they don’t leave a white cast on me. And I think this comment has outed me as a sunscreen nerd. Oh well.

[@VBirchwood]

It's fascinating how different people with sensitive skin have different things they're sensitive to! Just continues to show us that the body is so incredibly diverse and unique haha! I remember you saying, I think in the moth video, that you are sensitive to essential oils. It's funny for me because it's the opposite! They don't bother me, but a lot of the "synthetics" do. I suppose talc is technically natural, and that makes me so incredibly reactive. I just really feel like there is no better term to encompass everything other than "relatively free from synthetic chemicals" lol. Why can't there just be a simple way to describe it? 😂 Thank you so much for the compliments on this look! And it's fascinating to know that you are essentially wearing very similar makeup and also try to prioritise the rouged cheeks 😊

[@VBirchwood]

@@katherinemorelle7115 Hahahaha I'm happy to see that you are, indeed, a sunscreen nerd 😂 American sunscreens really do lack in many regards much of the time. In general too, the American cosmetics industry allows a number of ingredients that are banned throughout most of Europe and Japan, which just seems really odd. So yes, the FDA is stuck in 1980, as you said lol, for more than a few reasons. Normally physical sunscreens can leave a white sheen on me as well, but the one I feature in the video is the first one that doesn't, and it's a miracle. (I'm olive undertones as well, thanks to my Tatar grandmother). Everytime I've used a chemical/organic filtre as well in the past, it has broken me out in spots and rashes, so I stay far, far away now hahaha. It's awesome they work so well for you though, especially since they don't leave the sheen and seem in general easier to administer!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

@@VBirchwood oh how I wish there were a simple way to describe things! For me, the worst essential oil (though not the only one I react to) is bergamot- which seems to make its way into a lot of the skincare that’s marketed as “clean”, “natural” “chemical free”, etc. which has made me very wary of anything with that sort of marketing. I’m also just generally not a fan of that marketing. I think it’s inherently misleading and deceptive. None of those terms have a set meaning. And “chemical free” is probably the worst, given that it’s literally impossible. But I also dislike the “natural” fallacy. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe (all the most toxic things in the world are natural, by a long shot!). I think there’s also just a very general lack of scientific literacy- and that’s not the fault of those who lack it. That’s a combination of marketing and a not so great education system (and this isn’t purely an American problem, we have the exact same issues here in Australia). But knowing things like “it’s the dose that makes the poison”, or how the scientific method works, or what consensus means… not a lot of that is taught, or taught well, in our schools. So it’s very easy for marketers to take advantage of that and push the natural fallacy. But as a disabled person, if I had to live only with what is “natural” I’d be long dead. I mean- wheelchairs aren’t exactly natural, and neither are my medications. I do think it’s awesome that everyone is so different. What works for one person won’t work for another- especially when it comes to something as individual as skin. I do think that sunscreen suffers from this a bit though. A lot of people will try a specific sunscreen, which will break them out, and they’ll think that means they can’t wear any sunscreen. Which is pretty dangerous. I’m so glad you’ve found one that works for you. I know a lot of companies that produce mineral sunscreens are finally starting to deal with the white cast issue. The fact that they didn’t before probably says rather a lot about how people of colour are (not) thought of by the cosmetic or skincare industries, given they’re the ones who have the most issues with white cast.

[@VBirchwood]

I agree! The “natural” marketing ploy can be very gimicky and greenwashy. That’s just it, everything works different for different people so no label like “natural” will work for all. And also like you said, non natural things are important too (like medications and your wheelchair!). Balance is key and figuring out what works best for you (general you). You make a fabulous point I’ve thought about with the sunscreen too, that physical sunscreens are not designed for people with darker skin tones. I’m glad this is changing (it’s about time).

[@SimpleDesertRose]

That was a very interesting look at history and makeup. You are super cute with out it btw, absolutely beautiful. My daughter just turned 13 and I've been teaching her how to apply makeup. Nothing fancy right now just some mineral makeup I got off Etsy. Just very basic eye shadow, bush, lip gloss and powder foundation. As she gets better and the wonderful teenage acne goes away we will be branching out more. One thing I have always stressed was skin care and its good to see that was as big of a concern then as it is now. I have a few books on natural skin and hair care with lots of recipes in them. Now might be a good time to revisit them.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you very much, DesertRose 😊 That's very sweet that you've been teaching your daughter, especially if she is interested in makeup, as that very much could nurture a future passion for her. I definitely think there's a reason why people prioritised skincare then and now. Having a healthy foundation is everything, and skincare can create that for us. Those books sound very fascinating!

[@haimonhaimatoloichos2537]

Wow, the hair and eyebrows make such a big difference to the shape of your head. Very good video!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you, Haimon! It's crazy how makeup and hair can do that, right?!

[@haimonhaimatoloichos2537]

@@VBirchwood Agreed, very powerful tools that also allow for a lot of self expression

[@VBirchwood]

Exactly 😊

[@saberg1082]

Thank you for specifying that you avoid synthetic chemicals. There are so many people who are not understanding that everything is a "chemical" wether it comes from plants or the cosmetology lab and that both can be good or bad for you. 😊

[@amberg6115]

Stunning as always Lady V! I don't wear much makeup myself except on special occasions but after this I might start wearing a little blush, yours looks fabulous! Have a wonderful day!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much, Amber. Have a lovely day!

[@CarolineB655]

OMG! Your skin and makeup is absolutely perfect! I only wish youtube had been around as now I'm 70, although I've had people tell me that I don't look my age. Do you think you're routine would help me achieve a youthful look?? Any ideas would help, I'm open to try anything....

[@LiljaHusmo]

Loved the little snippets of history woven into your routine! Both educational and cozy

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you, Lilja! ❤️

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

You are so lovely, with and without makeup. In my 20's and 30's I wouldn't step out of my house without a full face of makeup. In my late 30's however, I developed rosacea and a sensitivity to contact lenses. To avoid flare ups I don't wear anything on my skin except moisturizer and it feels like a waste of time to fuss with eye makeup that gets hidden behind my thick eyeglasses. I do still wear mascara, eyeliner, and brow powder when I feel like making the effort but that's only been a couple times since the pandemic began. I did sometimes use cornstarch as a powder when I was younger because I was super pale (and slightly goth lol). It's a great and cheap alternative to dry shampoo also.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you, Natalie! I'm sorry to hear about your skin (and contact lens) sensitivities! I'm sure it has been quite frustrating at times, but I'm glad that you've managed to adapt to a system that works for you. Cornstarch is a wonderful affordable allternative! I use it for my hair as well (as you mention), in particular with pomatum for 18th century looks 😊 It works even better, I find, when mixed with some arrowroot powder. Perhaps something for another video 😉

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

@@VBirchwood I haven't tried arrowroot powder but I'll look into it, thanks!

[@Angie-GoneSoon]

I have very thick eyebrows. I tried to thin them out once, but it didn't go well.

[@ariannedechateaumichel7777]

I have some of the recipes from the Toilette de Flora and can second this recommendation. Some of the recipes are questionable, but others are really appealing.

[@withmyhandsdream]

I like your makeup. I do not like the kind of tutorials where people literally paint themselves a new face. I have always preferred natural makeup although mine has always been much simpler. My best skincare routine is avoiding sun and smoking. I’m 40 next year and still don’t have wrinkles. Alas, I seem to get allergies to natural stuff so it’s just synthetics for me. It has been a pain to find cosmetics without citric acid that makes my skin flare up almost instantly. Unfortunaly, citric acid is considered natural so it’s present in almost all organic products.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!! Avoiding sun and smoking is definitely a great way to protect your skin. That's incredible too that you still don't have any wrinkles (not that having wrinkles is bad or anything). It's very fascinating as well that for you it is the other way around. I can see how being sensitive to citric acid could make it really quite complicated. I suppose you could make some of your own cosmetics as well? For instance face powders from rice starch and arrow root powder. It's surprisingly affordable too haha.

[@rachelvancamp6982]

End product was beautiful but so was the beginning product. You would look good no matter how you dress or how many layers you put on your face. For me it would be beyond measure time consuming. But for sure, each to her own.

[@SkyeAten]

Everyone is so shocked about Lead in cosmetics back then... But we still actually put a lot of dangerous chemicals in our skincare today.

[@VBirchwood]

Exactly! And probably in 20 years we will be similarly appalled by it all.

[@patim7902]

I'm not very good at makeup 'cause i never learned how to use it and i never liked the current makeup styles that much but an overall naturally youthful balanced makeup-look with delicate rosy cheeks - I LIIIIKE! ;) Rarely i'm wearing my old "frankenstein creamy lipstick" as a blush on my cheeks but i guess my skin is not very happy with that hahaha

[@VBirchwood]

Haha thank you Pati! 😊Oh no! Have you considered a lighter cream blush instead that you can also use as a lipstick? (Like the reddish one in the video)

[@patim7902]

@@VBirchwood Good point! I guess i need to buy a real one sometime that suits me. I guess i discovered that my skin is sensitive and i'm now in the sensitive skin club too and trying things out for my skin. Anyways thank you Vasi for the inspiration!

[@VBirchwood]

I think more people are in the sensitive skin club than we realise! It’s a blessing in disguise perhaps though because there are so many ingredients that really shouldn’t be in cosmetics and yet they are haha. So we are forced into using the more free-from-synthetics ones anyways 😊 thank you for your sweet words Pati!

[@samanthacoe9767]

I'm so curious about using burnt clove for brows. I might have to try that!

[@VBirchwood]

It’s pretty straight forward! You just burn it with a flame and then rub it on to your brows (the burnt bit, not the flame or when it’s hot lol). You can go in with a brush too and apply it that way, utilising it essentially like you would a pencil or powder. They last for a super long time too!

[@samanthacoe9767]

@@VBirchwood Thank you! I always wondered how ladies would darken their brows and this makes perfect sense. I believe it is time to do some experiments with this method, see if I like it more than the modern methods I used today.

[@VBirchwood]

@@samanthacoe9767 You definitely should try it out! Elderberry and some other recipes were used too. I think "The Toilet of Flora" explains it more in depth, or the Victorian book that I put in the links and referenced too 😊

[@watsonmelon6575]

This is super onteresting and I love the decor around you

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much! I love antique collecting (and finding them cheap haha)

[@katwitanruna]

Love the mythbusting! Wonderful makeup routine!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you, Kat! 😊

[@sarahnunez318]

Love the video, and I had no idea a guy named Rimmel invented mascara. Now it finally makes sense why in Spanish we call mascara "rimmel".

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much! Yes! Exactly. I’ve heard that in a few different languages it’s apparently called “rimmel” 😊

[@dottiejohnson5812]

Enjoyed this tutorial very much. I could not find the list of products though. Dot

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much! They’re in the description box of the video 😊

[@imavictorian]

Girl! You are so stinkin' cute! Way to cherish your lovely face!

[@VBirchwood]

Awww thank you! 🥰

[@dollknight3947]

I don't normally like makeuo routine videos but I liked this one.

[@VBirchwood]

Glad you liked it!!

[@messyhomestead7320]

Thank you so much for an excellent, rigorous, and thoughtful (and beautiful!) presentation. What a treat. Since you mentioned your interest in keeping things on the natural side, I wanted to add a quick note for you re. the corn starch in the powder since it looks like the one you've got may not be organic. The amount of problematic features of corn starch are myriad, so you might consider transferring powder allegiances to other powders if you stay with powder usage. Thank you again for a lovely lesson! Subscribed and feel very lucky to find such a wonderful library.

[@ulvavodin2546]

Your so beautiful. Thank you for explaining your process and the history of makeup. I have learned alot.

[@debbiesivertson817]

Beautiful ❤❤❤!

[@JanBrowning-z6n]

Beautiful!

[@phyllishogg2443]

Lovely

[@dina_ganzheitlich_gesund83]

Beautiful ❤

[@mariehavlickova4702]

Great❤

[@maringrachart]

Great make up! Thk you for sharing!😊

[@janefuller1737]

You look beautiful!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you 😊

[@goonercestlavie]

Interesting historical context and produits naturels. Good. I agree about the 18ème siècle. You have a natural beauty and would not need make-up but great work. Technical. Women are engineers.

[@VBirchwood]

Merci beaucoup!! 😊

[@Just_Vryatt]

I believe a lot of the pictures showing women (and men) historically with white face powder are actually showing a powder made from rice or white pearls or a combination of both ✨

[@VBirchwood]

It could be! There are plenty of questionable ingredients in the Toilet of Flora too, so we could assume that some people likely used those more questionable ones too.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Very thorough & elegant job I like all the details of angles of application & sich Lovely cinematography

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you, Catherine! 😊

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@VBirchwood You are welcome

[@ericalarochelle3779]

Hello there! It is great to come back and watch your videos. Thanks for sharing all the historical information.

[@VBirchwood]

Welcome back Erica! I hope you enjoy catching up on all the videos 😊

[@ericalarochelle3779]

@@VBirchwood I did indeed, though I believe I still need to check out the latest two!

[@sarahbettany7546]

I really need to up my makeup and hair game! I'm researching heavily Victorian and Edwardian toiletries, and now use several day to day, but not makeup.

[@VBirchwood]

It's a goldmine! (As you know 😉) That would be a super fun project for you!

[@sarahbettany7546]

@@VBirchwood There's a rouge recipe I have my eye on, but I need more ingredients :)

[@VBirchwood]

Oooooo this sounds fun!

[@vewok]

This was great! Can you do one on haircare?

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! I have plans to do a video on hair care already, so definitely 😊

[@MakoBeauty]

how old are you?

[@VBirchwood]

I just turned 25 😊

[@AliciaB.]

FIRST ! hehe :)

[@VBirchwood]

Hehehe, hey Alicia 😊

[@lilaeckitties7524]

3:12 you are not using enough sunscreen. Put a strip down 2.5 fingers for face/neck.

[@VBirchwood]

I wear extremely high collars most of the time and generally add a lot more if I’m actually going outside and not just sitting near a window.