Ancient Roman Rosy Cheeks
Romans loved a healthy, rosy cheek, and when nature didn’t supply the right shade, Romans, most often women, achieved it by using blush. Romans would tint blush with vegetable dyes, poppies, or mulberry juice. They could also use rose petals, Tyrian vermillion, red ochre, wine residue, or red ochre to get the look. Some of the blush and other cosmetics would use lead, to get the smooth, vibrant effect favored across the ancient world. While the lead tints were obviously not ideal, given its toxic buildup over time, it helped them achieve the glowing look they favored (until it lead to skin discoloration, hair loss, and other health problems). Blush had to be subtle, though – the Roman fashion was to only have a subtle hint of color, not obviously painted cheeks. Their cheeks properly tinted, they were well groomed and ready to show off their “look” at the Forum.