What method did Victorian women use to enhance their natural color?

During the Victorian era, many women sought methods to enhance their natural beauty and achieve a healthy, flushed appearance. One common practice was the technique of pinching their cheeks. This method was used because it could create a temporary and natural-looking flush to the skin, which was considered attractive and indicative of health. The practice was simple and did not require any products, making it accessible to many women at the time.

In contrast, while hot oil treatments, henna applications, and frequent washing are all relevant to beauty and skincare, they did not specifically relate to enhancing the natural facial color in the way that pinching the cheeks did. Hot oil treatments are primarily aimed at nourishing and conditioning hair, henna is typically used for hair dyeing, and frequent washing would not enhance color but rather address cleanliness. Thus, pinching the cheeks stands out as the method uniquely aligned with the desire for rosiness in the face during that period.