Mouches

The most common meaning of the French word "mouche" is fly but it also refers to the artificial beauty marks that embellished the faces of stylish French women of the 17th and 18th century.
The beauty mark served to accentuate the pale powdered complexions that were the vogue of the era and hide smallpox scars and other blemishes often caused by the use of mercury or lead based powder. These tiny mouches were crafted from silk, chiffon, taffeta or velvet and the position of the mark on the face held a particular significance. Providing a subtle hint to the mood and personality of the woman...



Mischievous….. on the lip
Flirtatious…….. near the lips
Discreet……….. on the lower lip
Provocative…… by the eyes
Dignified……… on the forehead
Amorous………. on the cheek
Playful…………. in the smile line
Kisser………….. at the corner of mouth
Impudent……… on the nose
Passionate……. on the eyelid
Generous……… above the breast

More than three was considered bad taste and were mostly used by the concubines and courtesans...


The use of rouge, became a class indicator as well. Good girls didn't, bad girls did. Prostitutes placed rouge on their lips and cheeks to mimic the effects of sexual arousal. (It is well known that the body undergoes a natural flush during arousal—the skin glows, the lips engorge with blood. Red lipstick and pink face powder imitated these natural effects.)














The well accessorized 18th century femmes would have a bôite á mouches in which to keep their beauty marks.
These two exsamples are divine!








I am naturally "generous" and "amorous";)