ABSTRACT
This article explores the knowledge that circulated in the vernacular language through books about cosmetics, that is, preparations intended to be applied to the human body for beautifying, despite this topic not being explicitly recorded in historical sources. This research revealed that knowledge circulated from 1704 through books and in the vernacular language. Between 1704 and 1754, various cosmetic recipes for face, lips, nipples, nose, hair, hands and teeth were published. Its authors put the knowledge from diverse origins into circulation, innovating techniques and products for beautification purposes, but also maintaining a tradition of some cosmetic preparations. The existence of the historical sources identified in this article highlights knowledge about cosmetics in the vernacular language. The use of the Portuguese language made it possible to communicate knowledge in a society in which there was an interest in this subject.
Keywords:
Cosmetics; Portuguese Empire; Medication; Eighteenth Century; History of Science; Cultural History