Best Rouge

After much peering, it reads thus:

My Dear little friend,
I send you a set of bodes for your toilette table full of valuable ornaments which I beg you will use constantly as they are exceedingly beautiful and will I am sure wear well

A mirror----------Humility
A fine eye water----------Benevolence
A lip salve----------Cheerfulness
A wash to smooth wrinkles----------Contentment
Best rouge----------Modesty
A mixture giving sweetness to the voice-------Mildness & Truth
A pair of earrings----------Attention
Best white paint----------Innocence
A genuine and useful beautifier----------Good humour
Never rise from your toilette without being adorned by these, and then you will be in a proper shape(?) for any company and cannot fail of appearing lovely and being admired.

This was written in April 1821. I was looking through this amazing journal at my Mum's house. The woman (I presume) who wrote the journal has included all sorts of snippets from Shakespearean plays, cutting from magazines, cut out and coloured flowers, etchings, little comic strips and witticisms of the day, and riddles - the Georgians liked riddles! I only wish I knew who she was!!!

I found it fascinating reading and holding the book, knowing that someone had penned those words almost 200 years ago was amazing! This particular piece of advice could be found in many of the journals and magazines of the day, and for many years to come. Crazy to think we still fall for this crap really, still making cash by telling women they need to be better, aren't good enough without all potions and lotions!

It's late and I still have my toilette to address before bed (and a beer to finish!)

Ciao