In ancient times, she gave birth to seven daughters and was divorced by her husband's family.

For her products, safety must be the top priority.

She then thought of another natural red dye—cochineal.

The carmine contained in this small insect is one of the safest red pigments in nature, although the extraction process is relatively complex.

Moreover, cochineal is also an important ingredient in modern lipstick making.

With the direction set, Bailu immediately sent people to the Western Regions merchants to purchase large quantities of the highest quality cochineal insects, as well as the best beeswax and virgin almond oil available on the market.

In the workshop, she set up a small bronze furnace and began her experiment.

The dried cochineal insects are finely crushed, soaked in high-proof liquor, filtered, and then carefully distilled and purified to obtain a deep red liquid.

On the other hand, mix beeswax and almond oil in different proportions and heat them slowly over a fire until they are completely melted.

Finally, the purified pigment is slowly poured drop by drop into the warm oil and wax mixture while stirring constantly.

The ratio of oil, wax, and color is the key to success and is extremely difficult to master.

If too much wax is added, the resulting paste will be too hard, like a rock, and won't be able to be coated with color.

If too much oil is added, the paste will be too soft and unable to set, resembling a puddle of red mud.

The first attempt was a complete failure.

She received a lump of red, oily mud that smelled strange.

The second attempt also failed.

The paste managed to take shape, but the color was uneven and mottled, making it look very unsightly.

Bai Lu was not discouraged in the slightest.

She took out paper and pen and patiently adjusted the recipe ratios again and again, meticulously recording the dosage, cooking time, and results of each failed attempt.

For ten whole days, she practically lived and ate in this small workshop.

Finally, after countless failures, she carefully poured the warm, evenly colored red liquid into an exquisite plum blossom-shaped mold. After waiting for it to cool completely and be unmolded, a lipstick with a rich ruby ​​color and a smooth, silky texture was finally born in her hands.

It was contained in a small white jade tube specially crafted by a jade craftsman at Bailu's request. With a gentle rotation of the tube, the red ointment would come out. At the top of the ointment, a delicate plum blossom pattern was carefully engraved.

The impeccable packaging alone is enough to make any woman fall in love at first sight.

With a hint of excitement, Bai Lu picked up the lipstick and gently smeared it on the back of her smooth hand.

A bright, full red color immediately became clearly visible.

It has a uniform color, strong coverage, and a light, pleasant fragrance derived from a blend of almond oil and natural pigments.

She succeeded!

Having solved the most difficult part—lipstick—the next step is foundation.

In ancient times, the face powder used by women was mostly made of lead powder or rice powder.

Lead powder is toxic, and long-term use can cause skin to turn black and ulcerate.

Although rice flour is safe, its texture is rough, it is easy for makeup to come off, and it can also clog pores and cause various skin problems.

What Bailu aims to create is a completely different product—it must be lightweight and breathable, providing sufficient coverage while also nourishing the skin.

She thought of pearls.

Finely ground pearl powder is an excellent skincare product; its delicate texture can effectively brighten the complexion.

She entrusted a large number of the finest pearls to her most trusted craftsmen, who used a water milling method to grind them into the finest powder, so fine that it was almost impossible to feel any grains when you picked them up with your fingertips.

Then, she personally picked roses covered in morning dew and used the oldest distillation method to extract pure rose hydrosol as a solvent.

Mix pearl powder and rose water in a precise ratio, and add a small amount of glycerin or other ingredients to enhance the moisturizing and hydrating effects.

After repeated adjustments and stirring, she carefully dispensed a liquid with a rich rose fragrance and a silky, light texture like milk into individual crystal bottles.

This is the Pearl Nourishing Foundation, capable of revolutionizing the dressing table of women in the Great Wu Dynasty.

Then comes the eyeshadow.

This step is relatively simpler.

She found natural mineral powders of various colors, such as ochre, azurite, malachite, and orpiment, and mixed them with extremely fine mica powder.

Mica powder can effectively enhance the radiance of makeup.

These mixed powders are pressed tightly into blocks using special molds and then placed into exquisite lacquerware boxes, resulting in palettes of various colors and harmonious combinations of eyeshadows.

Finally, there's contouring.

This is an unprecedented and revolutionary makeup concept in Dawu!

She used two different shades of mineral powder, pressing them into discs in the same way.

Darker shades, applied to the sides of the cheeks and the sides of the nose, can slim the face, making it appear smaller and more three-dimensional.

Light-colored ones, when used on the forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin, can brighten the complexion and make facial features stand out more.

When these four items, which embodied her countless efforts—lipstick, foundation, eyeshadow, and contour—were neatly arranged on the dressing table.

Bai Lu knew that a brand new era of beauty products for women had arrived.

She will soon personally usher in the new era of the Great Wu Dynasty!

She knew perfectly well that these four things alone were enough to completely change a person's appearance.

It can transform an ordinary woman into a radiant and captivating beauty.

It can also make naturally beautiful women even more breathtakingly beautiful and impeccable.

But Bailu's ambitions were not satisfied with this.

Her vision has broadened and extended further.

In her future plans, more disruptive products will be added to the shelves.

For example, hairpieces meticulously crafted from real human hair.

Hairpieces perfectly solved the problem of ancient women's inability to style complex hair buns due to sparse hair.

However, in ancient times, wigs were generally used at palace banquets or large banquets to facilitate styling. The wigs and hairpieces that Bailu wanted to make could modify her face shape.

It can make a person look better.

For example, you could get a face-framing fringe.

These are rather complicated, and Bailu wants to take it slow.

For example, there are face masks made from various herbs and flowers with different effects... moisturizing, whitening, acne-removing, and more.

A perfume made by blending different spices, with distinct top, middle, and base notes.

She even considered manicures and eyelash extensions.

Her shop is not just about selling goods; it aims to become a fashion mecca for all the women in Dawu who love beauty...

take it easy.

Let's do these four things first.

A month later, the shop was finally renovated.

Bai Lu personally went to inspect it.

Standing on the street, one can see the magnificent vermilion carved gate, with a gilded plaque hanging above the door, on which the three large characters "Bailu Beauty Shop" are written in a flamboyant style, shining brightly in the sunlight.

She pushed open the heavy door and went inside.

A pleasant fragrance, a blend of wood and flowers, wafted over.

The lobby on the first floor is spacious, bright, and well-lit.

Rows of shelves made from single pieces of white jade were neatly arranged, with the first batch of goods to be sold already placed on them.

A dozen or so shop assistants dressed in matching light blue ruqun (traditional Chinese dresses) were doing the final cleaning and tidying up.

These shop assistants were all personally selected and rigorously trained by Bai Lu.

Her requirements for them were not only to know how to entertain guests, but more importantly, to be proficient in the use of each cosmetic product and to provide guests with the most professional guidance.

Bai Lu went up to the second floor.

The VIP experience area on the second floor is decorated like an exquisite and private boudoir.

Each carved dressing table is paired with a comfortable couch, and the dressing tables are separated by screens painted with pictures of ladies, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the most private and prestigious service.

Everything is ready.

After careful consideration, the opening date was set for three days later.

She only allowed Peony to send exquisitely crafted invitations to the residences of several prominent officials' wives in Qingzhou City the day before the opening.

The invitation contained no extra words, only stating the opening date and time, and included a small voucher.

free!

On the opening day, just after 7 a.m., the heavy vermilion doors of "Bailu Beauty Store" slowly opened.

Bai Lu changed into a simple long dress and sat by the window on the second floor, holding a cup of tea, quietly waiting for the first guest to arrive.

Time passed little by little.

People were coming and going on the street, and many women passing by curiously peered into the store.

But because they weren't familiar with the place, none of them dared to come in.

Just before midnight, a magnificent carriage pulled up in front of the shop.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a middle-aged woman dressed in brocade and adorned with pearls and jade stepped out.

She was Wang, the wife of the Assistant Magistrate of Qingzhou.

Holding the invitation, Madam Wang paused briefly at the entrance, examining the gilded plaque with a scrutinizing look on her face.

The shop assistant standing at the door immediately went up to greet them and curtsied.

"Welcome, Madam."

"Please come in, Madam."

Madam Wang nodded slightly and stepped into the shop.

Upon entering the hall, the scrutiny in her eyes turned into undisguised surprise.

The shop's furnishings were unlike any other rouge shop she had ever seen.

It doesn't have a strong, pungent powdery smell, but only a light, elegant floral fragrance.

Rows of white jade shelves displayed some things she had never seen before.

A small jade tube containing red ointment.

A transparent crystal bottle containing a milky white liquid.

And there were also those colorful powder blocks packaged in exquisite lacquer boxes.

The most composed-looking shop assistant came forward. Her name was Chunxing, and she was a girl personally promoted by Bailu.

"My lady is well."

Chunxing's voice was gentle, and her demeanor was proper.

"This humble servant is Chunxing. May I ask what Madam wishes to see today?"

Madam Wang withdrew her scrutinizing gaze and focused her attention on Chunxing's face.

She noticed that the shop assistant's makeup was very special—clean, clear, and although it was obvious that she was wearing makeup, it looked exceptionally natural, making her facial features appear more defined.

What do you sell here?

Madam Wang asked, her tone filled with curiosity.

Chunxing maintained her smile and calmly began her introduction.

"In response to your question, Madam, our 'Bai Lu Beauty Shop' currently mainly sells four exclusive cosmetic products."

She led Madam Wang to a shelf and picked up a white jade tube of lipstick.

"This product is called lipstick. Its function is similar to lip balm, but the color is more vibrant and the makeup lasts longer."

"Madam, please look, we have several colors to choose from, including bright red, light red, and dusty rose."

Chunxing swiped the lipstick across the back of her hand, and a smooth, bright color immediately appeared.

Madam Wang's eyes lit up.

The lip rouge she usually used was stored in a small porcelain box, which required her to apply with her fingers or a small brush. This was not only troublesome, but the color was also prone to coming off.

This thing in front of me is obviously much more convenient.

Chunxing picked up another bottle of foundation.

"This product is called Pearl Nourishing Foundation."

Unlike lead powder and rice powder on the market, it is made from fine pearl powder ground into powder and mixed with rose hydrosol.

Its lightweight texture not only evens out skin tone and conceals blemishes, but also nourishes the skin with long-term use.

She poured a drop onto the back of her hand, gently patted it in, and that patch of skin instantly became fair and delicate, with a natural glow.

"this......"

Madam Wang was completely captivated.

Her own skin had become somewhat dull and yellowish due to the use of lead powder in her early years, which was a major concern for her.

Chunxing then introduced the eyeshadow and contour palette, each of which fascinated Mrs. Wang with unprecedented novelty.

"How do you use these things?"

Madam Wang finally asked the most crucial question.

Chunxing smiled slightly and made a "please" gesture.

"If Madam doesn't mind, would you please come with me to the second floor for a taste?"

The lady has a trial voucher; today is her first time using it, and she will not be charged a penny.

After a moment's thought, Madam Wang nodded in agreement.

She was genuinely curious about what effects these products would have on her face.

In the private room on the second floor, Madam Wang sat in front of the dressing table.

Chunxing first carefully cleansed her face, and then took the bottle of pearl skin-nourishing foundation.

"Madam, I'm offended."

She took a small amount of foundation with her fingertip and, with extremely gentle strokes, applied it to Madam Wang's forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then patted it evenly.

A cool sensation wafted over, accompanied by a faint fragrance of roses.

Looking through the bronze mirror in front of her, Madam Wang could clearly see her complexion changing little by little.

Those dull, yellowish, and tiny spots seemed to be gently covered by a thin veil, making the skin tone even and radiant, without the heavy, mask-like feel of ordinary makeup powder.

"This...this is truly amazing!"

Madam Wang couldn't help but reach out and touch her cheek. The touch was still her own skin, smooth and delicate.

Next, Chunxing shaped her eyebrows and used earth-toned eyeshadow to make her eyes appear deeper and more expressive.

The most crucial step is contouring.

Chunxing lightly swept dark contour powder on both sides of Madam Wang's cheeks.

"Madam, look."

Madam Wang looked in the mirror and was surprised to find that the contours of her originally somewhat round face had become clearer, making her appear much thinner.