Medieval Mystique: The Church and Changing Perceptions
During the medieval period, the influence of the Church played a pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards makeup. In contrast to the elaborate cosmetic practices of ancient times, the Middle Ages saw a shift towards a more subdued aesthetic. The Church associated excessive grooming with vanity, and women were discouraged from wearing makeup. However, the Renaissance period marked a revival of interest in aesthetics, with fair skin and rosy cheeks becoming fashionable among the European elite.