In light of this week’s news that Downton Abbey are set to launch their own beauty line, one can’t help but feel that the range is, well, a little different to what our ancestors from that Edwardian era really used. The soaps, maybe, but those punchy hot pink lip glosses and bright nail varnishes, probably not. In fact, not a chance.

That classic Edwardian era was all deathly pallor and rose-bud lips. With perhaps a hint of peachy blusher positioned bang on the apples of the cheeks. And they were partial to a full, bushy brow as well back then, but otherwise things were very simple and pared back. Just think of  actress Lillie Langtry and women’s rights activist Emeline Pankhurst, who epitomised the era with their ghostly white skin and plain but pretty, English rose looks.

Obtaining that iconic Edwardian look properly doesn’t require much. Just a few carefully matched powders and a brow brush, amongst a few other minimal things. But certainly no varnishes and hot pink lip lacquers that’s for sure. Click through the gallery above to see the ultimate 8 beauty musts to give you that Edwardian edge.