Faerie Tale and Legend Inspired Beauty

As someone who has always adored Arthurian legend, Pre-Raphaelite art, faeries, and mermaids, I have been inspired by each of these things, in the way I dress and use beauty products.   Mermaid, faerie, and Pre-Raphaelite art all covet long and luscious hair (of course, to be fair faeries can also have short sassy hair also).

For most of my life I have had very long hair, although I did try shoulder length cuts a couple times (and even one pixie cut).   I realize that my love legends and faerie stories has made me want to keep my hair long and flowing down my back.    I am proud of how I care for my hair, because long hair means nothing if it is not healthy!   I use products that are made from natural ingredients whenever I can.    This includes Timotei shampoo (although it is not in most stores, it is available online), henna (as a natural auburn haired redhead, it does not change my hair, but enhances its color), and Aussie products.

Henna is a special kind of plant that not only reddens hair and skin, but also helps protect from UV rays, and promotes healthy scalp and hair growth!   I also like to use oil on my hair, especially on the ends, if I am using any heat products.    Instead of blow drying, I braid my hair and let it dry naturally, and this is something women with long hair have done historically for millennia!   I also tend to keep my hair braided when I am sleeping, to keep it from tangling.    All of this helps to keep your hair long and flowing, in a way that would make mermaids, faeries, and Pre-Raphaelite artists proud!    Day to day I most often wear it down, with maybe a crown inspired headband or flowers (or butterfly clips) in my hair!  

Healthy, and even dewy skin, are pre-requisites for having the faerie and mermaid look.    For me this means keeping my skin clean and cared for.    I wash my face no less than twice a day, often more.    I also moisturize my skin with natural products, on my face I use only aloe, organic coconut oil, and baby lotion to keep my skin hydrated.    On my body I use coco butter and moisturizing body wash.    Facial masques (of all sorts) around once a week keep skin looking refreshed!

Makeup for faeries and mermaids includes a lot of shimmer a sparkle!    I like to use a bit of mascara, a fun colored eyeliner (like dark purple) and shimmery eyeshadow.    I only use foundation if I have a blemish, but I am obsessive about my sunscreen use, as a I have very fair alabaster skin!    I usually go without lip gloss or lipstick, but I always use lip balm (a shimmery tinted one if I want extra color).

Dressing as if you stepped out of a Pre-Raphaelite painting, or an Arthurian story, or an Enchanted Forest may seem unrealistic.    However, I have found ways to be inspired by this, and still not look like I am wearing a costume.    The key lies in looking for ethereal pieces that are not fully of another century.   For instance flowing dresses that are knee length, and light floaty fabrics.    It is all about feeling light and airy, and having the comfort of breathability is a plus! Anything that is fun and colorful (or ethereally white) can help pull together an enchanted look. At the end of the day faerie beauty is all about being true to yourself, and being comfortable in your own skin!

I know this is a bit different than previous posts.   Yet, I felt it would be a fun addition to my blog, as it still relates to my main theme of history, legend, and fairytales!    I hope you have enjoyed my beauty tips, and maybe found something you would like to try.   Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is the cover of The Faerie Handbook.   I found the image on amazon.com.

Further Reading

• The Mermaid Handbook by Carolyn Turgeon
• The Faerie Handbook by Carolyn Turgeon

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