Elizabethan

Dead-white skin (ceruse), high plucked hairline, no eyebrows/lashes, red rouged cheeks.

Elizabethan is a highly theatrical, historical makeup style inspired by the 16th-century court of Queen Elizabeth I, characterized by a stark white complexion, completely obscured eyebrows, and a drastically receded hairline. This dramatic aesthetic mimics the toxic lead-based ceruse used during the era, juxtaposed with sharply defined, vibrant crimson cheeks and a diminutive red pout. Designed for costume parties, stage performances, or editorial shoots rather than everyday wear, it demands advanced base application techniques to achieve its striking, porcelain-like appearance.

To create Elizabethan makeup, begin by completely blocking out your eyebrows with a washable glue stick and translucent powder. Next, stipple a stark white cream foundation over your entire face, neck, and hairline, setting it heavily with pure white powder. Finish by stamping crimson blush onto the cheeks and painting a defined red pout.

Full Look Face/Base Historic Theatrical Matte Costume/Theme Theatrical

~18 min 6 steps 10 products

The Kit

Washable Glue Stick
Translucent Powder
Makeup Sponge
White Cream Foundation
Pure White Setting Powder
Velour Puff
Matte Crimson Powder Blush
Small Blush Brush
Deep Red Matte Lipstick
Fine Lip Brush

Want to see this look on you?

Try it instantly with slaye's AI-powered virtual try-on

How to Create Elizabethan

Block the Brows

Apply a washable glue stick against the grain of the brow hairs to lay them perfectly flat. Press heavily with translucent powder and a sponge until the texture is completely smooth.
Apply White Base

Stipple a stark white cream foundation over the entire face, neck, and blocked brows using a damp makeup sponge to mimic the historic ceruse.
Conceal the Hairline

Lightly pat the white cream foundation into the roots of your front hairline to create the illusion of a plucked, exceptionally high forehead.
Set the Base

Press a pure white setting powder firmly into the cream foundation using a velour puff to lock the makeup in place and create a dead-matte finish.
Rouge the Cheeks

Stamp a highly pigmented, matte crimson powder blush directly onto the apples of the cheeks with a small blush brush, keeping the edges stark.
Paint the Lips

Use a fine lip brush and deep red matte lipstick to draw a small, clearly defined pout in the center of the mouth.

Pro Tips

Cleanse your eyebrows thoroughly with a little rubbing alcohol before starting the blocking process to remove any natural oils, ensuring the glue adheres perfectly to the skin.
To avoid streaking the white cream base, use a dense, damp makeup sponge in a continuous pressing and rolling motion rather than swiping the product across the skin.
When creating the illusion of a high hairline, pull a tight wig cap slightly further back than your natural hairline before blending the white foundation over the edges to secure the shape.

Common Questions

What does Elizabethan makeup look like?

This historical style features a completely flat, chalk-white complexion with heavily concealed eyebrows and a faux receded hairline. It is punctuated by stark, unblended circles of crimson blush on the cheeks and tiny, painted red lips.

What products do I need for Elizabethan makeup?

You will need a washable glue stick and translucent powder for brow blocking, alongside a high-coverage white cream foundation and white setting powder. For the color elements, a matte crimson blush and a deep red matte lipstick are essential.

Is Elizabethan makeup good for beginners?

Because it requires advanced theatrical techniques like brow blocking and altering the natural hairline, this style can be quite challenging for beginners. It demands patience and practice with specialized cream bases to achieve a flawless, opaque finish.

How long does Elizabethan makeup take to apply?

Expect this full theatrical look to take between one to two hours. The brow-blocking process alone requires multiple layers and drying time to ensure a completely smooth canvas before the stark white base is applied.

You've Got This