Beauty products royal women of the Nguyễn Dynasty used

The Secret Beauty Rituals of Nguyễn Dynasty Women

In the royal courts of the Nguyễn Dynasty, beauty was more than appearance—it was an embodiment of refinement, grace, and harmony with nature. For centuries, the art of makeup within the imperial palace remained a closely guarded secret. Only after the fall of the monarchy did these rituals slowly emerge from behind the high palace walls.

One of the most treasured legacies to survive is “Phấn Nụ”—a delicate powder still cherished today for its natural purity and timeless elegance.

🌸 Phấn Nụ – The Imperial Petal Powder

Named for its petite shape, Phấn Nụ translates to “powder bud,” as each piece resembles a tiny flower bud. Originally reserved for royal women, it was known for delivering a subtle, porcelain glow that blended effortlessly into the skin—never harsh or cakey, just luminous and natural.

Crafting this powder is a meticulous 8-day process:

• It begins with pure pink-hued kaolin clay, slow-fired over smokeless charcoal until it turns snow-white.
• Once cooled, the clay is shaved into fine powder and blended with settled rainwater or water drawn from deep palace wells—the purest sources available.
• The mixture follows a delicate ratio: 1 part clay to 5 parts water. Each morning, before sunrise, the top layer is carefully poured off, leaving behind the settled essence.
• This is then passed through layers of fine silk muslin—sometimes two or three times—to eliminate all impurities.

Infused with extracts from jasmine, pomelo blossoms, and bound together with natural beeswax, Phấn Nụ is completely free of chemicals or heavy metals. Though less long-lasting on face than modern cosmetics, its softness and safety keep it a favorite among today’s youth seeking natural beauty solutions.

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