Poudre à la Maréchale

Originally created by the Maréchale d'Aumont, this particular type of cosmetic dates back to either 1669 or 1675 depending on the source consulted. The powder - poudre - was used on the wearer's hair; such cosmetics were becoming increasingly popular as powdered wigs became a necessity in the fashion world.

Amongst the many attributes which made the poudre à la maréchale so popular was both its efficiency and its pleasant scents. Perfumed powders were gaining ground in a wide variety but the maréchale appears to have hit a particularly popular blend. The main perfumes in the powder were iris, coriander, rose, clove and tiger nut. However, these ingredients were far form the only ones used in the concoction. According to the Parfumeur Français, a proper version also contained orange blossom, sandalwood, lavender, cinnamon, lemon peel, marjoram, benzoin and labdanum. 

Whether they were all combined into the same batch is somewhat unclear but it does not seem terribly unlikely. The presence of some rather expensive ingredients certainly helped bring the price up - especially considering that some recipes called for ingredients imported from very specific places. Some were within France itself - such as roses from Provence - whereas others had to be brought in from abroad - like irises from Florence.

The main body of the powder was a type of starch which could become conveniently greasy enough to use on the intricate coiffures. As such, it was fairly widely used.

A rather unusual anecdote exist surrounding this powder. Allegedly, Madame de Pompadour received a mysterious snuff box with unidentified white powder traces. Fearing that it might be poison, she had her physician, Quesnay, examine the material. In a somewhat anticlimactic end, he concluded that the powder was poudre à la maréchale.

The popularity of the powder continued after the fall of the ancien regime; largely aided by the long-lasting effects of the powder.

Interestingly, the powder could also be combined with other products. If sold in smaller packages, they could be mixed with a lotion or pomade to imbue an otherwise bland concoction with its delicious - and heavy - scent. Furthermore, the scent achieved by the myriad of luxurious ingredients also made a popular perfume - still sold today by high-end perfumers.