Marie Antoinette, the infamous Queen of France, was known for her lavish lifestyle and her meticulous beauty routines. Far more than just a fashion icon, she had some rather unusual beauty regimens and fascinating habits that made her one of the most memorable figures in European history.

Milk Baths Fit for a Queen:
Marie Antoinette believed that bathing in milk was the secret to smooth, soft skin. She would often bathe in a tub filled with warm water, herbs, and donkey milk. The milk’s natural lactic acid acted as a gentle exfoliant, and the Queen believed it helped preserve her complexion. She even had fresh milk delivered to her regularly for this purpose. Talk about luxury skincare!

Hair That Touched the Sky:
Marie Antoinette’s towering hairdos were legendary. Her hairstylist, Léonard Autié, would create elaborate hairstyles that could stand up to three feet tall, often adorned with feathers, ribbons, and even miniature ships to celebrate naval victories! These voluminous wigs required hours of preparation and gallons of scented pomade and powder. At times, they were so heavy that the Queen had to rest her neck on special cushions to keep her head from falling forward!

The Face Mask Routine:
Her beauty routine didn’t stop at milk baths. Marie Antoinette was also known for using a homemade face mask made of cognac, powdered milk, lemon juice, and egg whites. This mixture was believed to cleanse and tighten the skin, giving her a radiant glow that befitted a queen.

The "Affair of the Necklace" Scandal:
One of the most scandalous episodes in Marie Antoinette’s life was the infamous Affair of the Diamond Necklace. Although she wasn’t directly involved, the affair damaged her reputation. A con artist used the Queen’s name to trick a cardinal into purchasing a ridiculously expensive necklace, which the Queen had refused to buy. The scandal reinforced the public’s view of her as a frivolous and out-of-touch monarch, even though she was an unwitting victim.

A Sweet Tooth to Remember:
Marie Antoinette had a well-known weakness for sweets and pastries, particularly macarons. She had a private retreat at the Palace of Versailles called the Petit Trianon, where she could escape the formalities of court life and indulge in her favorite treats, all while lounging in an idealized version of the simple countryside. Her love for decadent sweets only added to her reputation for luxury and excess.

The Tragic End:
Though famous for her luxurious lifestyle, Marie Antoinette's life took a tragic turn during the French Revolution. She was imprisoned, put on trial, and ultimately guillotined in 1793. Her famous (but likely misattributed) line, "Let them eat cake," further painted her as indifferent to the struggles of the French people.