What was a characteristic practice of women in the Victorian era to enhance their facial appearance?

In the Victorian era, societal norms and standards of beauty placed a significant emphasis on a natural and delicate appearance, rather than the heavy makeup styles that are more accepted in modern times. Women sought ways to achieve a rosy complexion and a youthful glow without the use of heavy cosmetics. One common practice was pinching their cheeks and biting their lips to create a natural flush. This technique aimed to mimic the look of healthy skin without straying from the natural beauty ideals of the time.

This approach aligns with the Victorian ethos, which often prized modesty and a certain understated elegance in a woman's appearance. Women were encouraged to cultivate an innocent and fresh look rather than relying on artificial enhancements like heavy makeup. Bathing in aromatic oils, while popular for overall skincare, did not specifically address the immediate facial enhancement that pinching cheeks and lip-biting did. Similarly, the use of chemical peels would not have been common or understood in the same way during this period, as skincare practices were much more rudimentary. Therefore, the practice of actively creating a blushing effect through simple physical methods reflected the beauty standards of the Victorian era effectively.