Beauty and Cosmetics in the Time of Jane Austen
$33.97
- Paperback
96 pages
- Release Date
15 September 2025
Summary
After the success of Pastimes and Pleasures in the Time of Jane Austen, Sarah Jane Downing turns her attention to the hair and beauty styles of Jane Austen’s era. In Beauty and Cosmetics in the Time of Jane Austen, she examines the beauty ideals of the Regency period to shed light on the transition from the baroque high hair and formal doll-like faces of the court of King George III to the fresh complexions and glossy, bouncy ringlets of the Regency. She also dispels the myth that cosmetics and beauty aids disappeared during the period. This book will provide an invaluable resource for the legions of ‘Janeites’ who don Regency dress each year for the Jane Austen Festival in Bath and the increasing number of Jane Austen themed events around the world.
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781398123137 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1398123137 |
| Author: | Sarah Jane Downing |
| Publisher: | Amberley Publishing |
| Imprint: | Amberley Publishing |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 96 |
| Release Date: | 15 September 2025 |
| Weight: | 303g |
| Dimensions: | 165mm x 234mm |
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Critics Review
‘This book will surely appeal to Jane Austen enthusiasts worldwide. And not just Jane Austen, but also those interested in cosmetics, etc. It provides a good overview of the customs of that time in that area.’ * The New Royalty World Blog, September 2025 *
‘A fascinating, and well-illustrated, study of fashion as political and social barometer – a hugely entertaining look at Regency style.’ * Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine, Winter 2025 *
‘From dental care to bathing, Downing explores common beauty rituals and recommendations alongside a myriad of drawings and plates from the 18th and 19th century, bringing the subject to life. This is a quick and handy resource for readers, writers, and Jane Austen lovers — as well as beauty influencers who want to try historical looks.’ * Regency Reader, 17th February 2026 *
‘The book is a quick engaging read, that transports you back to the dressing tables of the past, with themes including Dandies, the influence of the Gothic and ‘beauty training’ regimes. I particularly liked how Downing pulled together quotes from Jane Austen’s books on the beauty regimes of well-loved characters. I enjoyed learning more about Beau Brummel, Marie Antoinette and Lady Emma Hamilton. A book of rich language, it is a delightful read.’ – Julia Bracewell * Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, 17th February 2026 *
‘It is a fascinating read and well researched.’ – Martin Caddick * The Jane Austen Society Newsletter, March 2026 *
Sarah Jane Downing
Sarah Jane Downing has written widely about the arts, contributing to national and local magazines and newspapers as well as four books for Shire Publications, ‘The English Pleasure Garden 1660-1860’, ‘Fashion in the Time of Jane Austen’, ‘Beauty and Cosmetics 1550-1950’, and ‘Fashion in the Time of William Shakespeare’ and for Amberley Publishing ‘Pastimes and Pleasures in the Time of Jane Austen’.
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