During which period was modesty highly valued, leading to a discouragement of makeup in public?

The Victorian Age was characterized by strict social codes and values, including a strong emphasis on modesty and propriety. During this period, it was considered socially unacceptable for women to wear visible makeup in public, as it was associated with immoral behavior and a lack of virtue. The prevailing attitude prioritized natural beauty, and women were often encouraged to enhance their appearance through means that were not overtly artificial.

This cultural backdrop stemmed from the broader societal norms of the time that celebrated modesty and decorum, reflecting the Victorian fascination with morality, virtue, and the ideal of domesticity. While other eras, like the Renaissance or the Age of Extravagance, might have embraced beauty and adornment differently, it was during the Victorian Age that makeup was particularly frowned upon in public life, emphasizing the societal values of the time over individual expression through cosmetics. The 20th Century also saw significant shifts in attitudes toward makeup, eventually leading to widespread acceptance and use, further contrasting with the values of the Victorian period.