Written in collaboration with RMS Titanic, Inc.

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine scrolling through your Instagram feed and seeing tutorial after tutorial about beauty trends that push boundaries and redefine style. Now, picture this same energy aboard the Titanic, where first-class ladies were blending ease with elegance in ways that revolutionized what was considered "polite society." These women weren't just passengers; they were pioneers of their time, shaping the beauty standards of the Edwardian era.

Without modern sunscreen and with a suntan being associated with the working class, the first-class ladies on Titanic took every precaution to avoid the sun. They retreated to their reading and writing rooms, lounges, or cabins, ensuring their fair complexions stayed intact. Faces were dusted with pearl or rice powder, giving them a flawless finish. A rosy flush of rouge added a touch of life to their cheeks, while lips were lightly stained with poppy and geranium petals—a nod to the grace and sophistication of the Edwardian period.

Read also:
Griffin Dunnes Journey Through Hollywood From Reluctant Actor To Iconic Roles

So, how did some of the debutantes of the time define Edwardian beauty? Let’s dive in and meet a few of these remarkable women.

Noël Leslie, Countess of Rothes

Born on Christmas Day in 1878 in Kensington, London, Noël Leslie was the epitome of Edwardian elegance. She married Norman Leslie, the 19th Earl of Rothes, in 1900 and quickly became a shining star in her aristocratic social circles. Known affectionately as "The Plucky Little Countess," she boarded Titanic as a first-class passenger with her cousin Gladys Cherry and maid Roberta Maioni, heading to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. When the unthinkable happened, and the ladies entered Lifeboat 8, she was handed the tiller to steer the boat. Why? As Able Seaman Thomas Jones put it, "She had a lot to say, so I put her to steering the boat." Beyond her survival skills, Noël was a staunch supporter of women’s suffrage, a philanthropist, and even converted a wing of her home, Leslie House in Fife, Scotland, into a hospital for wounded soldiers during World War I.

Adolphe Saalfeld: The Perfumer on a Mission

Meet Adolphe Saalfeld, a self-made businessman and chemist from Manchester, England. As the chairman of Sparks-White & Co. Ltd., he was no stranger to the world of fine oils and concentrated perfume fragrances. He boarded Titanic with a portfolio of 65 perfume oil samples and hand-written perfume labels, all in search of new business opportunities in America. His collection would have created soft, delicate floral scents that perfectly captured the relaxed spirit of the Edwardian Era—a far cry from today’s bold and complex aromas.

Vinolia Otto Toilet Soap: A First-Class Favorite

When it came to personal care, the first-class passengers aboard Titanic were treated to the exclusive Vinolia Otto Toilet Soap. With its light scent of lemon balm, rose, and a hint of spice, this soap was not only luxurious but also practical. Its emollient properties helped combat the effects of salty sea breezes on the skin, ensuring passengers stayed fresh and radiant throughout their journey.

Cherry Toothpaste by John Gosnell & Co. Ltd: A Timeless Classic

Established in 1677, John Gosnell & Co. Ltd. is the United Kingdom’s oldest cosmetic manufacturer. Their cherry toiletries, introduced during Queen Victoria’s reign, were a staple of the era. Over a dozen jars of this iconic toothpaste have been recovered from Titanic’s wreck site by RMS Titanic, Inc., offering a glimpse into the personal care routines of first-class passengers.

Replica Toothpaste Jars: Perfect for Keepsakes

Looking for a unique way to remember the legacy of Titanic? Replica toothpaste jars, available at thetitanicstore.com, make excellent and memorable holders for jewelry, coins, or keepsakes. These jars are not just souvenirs; they’re a tangible connection to history.

Read also:
David Hasselhoff Grapples With Loss Of Exwife Pamela Bach

Cold Cream by Daggett & Ramsdell: A Beauty Staple

In 1892, V. Chapin Daggett and Clifford Ramsdell of New York introduced a revolutionary cold cream that would become a household name. Designed to clean and soften the skin while reducing wrinkles, this product stood out for its use of white mineral oil instead of vegetable oils, which can turn rancid over time. Remarkably, remnants of this cold cream were recovered by RMS Titanic, Inc., proving its durability even after decades underwater.

Talk About Long-Lasting Scent!

Can you believe that after nearly nine decades underwater, the vials recovered by RMS Titanic, Inc. in 2000 still emitted the scent of their original oils? These natural oils, including rose, lavender, and bergamot, were meant to be blended into perfumes, offering a fragrant glimpse into the past.