MORTUARY COSMETICS · NATURAL AND DIGNIFIED APPEARANCE
Restorative funeral cosmetics give the deceased a calm, natural appearance for the wake and final farewell. The work includes subtle make-up, hair care, and — where needed — restorative work on features. It is carried out by experienced staff after the body has been prepared.
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Mortuary cosmetics (also called restorative cosmetics or funeral cosmetics) is the final stage of preparing the deceased, restoring a natural appearance — as if at peaceful rest. The family sees their loved one cared for and at peace, at the wake and ceremony.
It forms part of preparing the deceased, carried out after washing and embalming. The aim is to preserve the dignity of the person who has died and to give the family comfort at the last farewell.
Several careful steps are involved, all subtle and aimed at the most natural appearance possible:
The work is done by staff experienced in caring for the deceased, in a dedicated preparation room. It is not ordinary make-up; it requires specific techniques and appropriate products.
The family does not attend the procedure. They see their loved one only afterwards, prepared and ready for the wake. Discretion and respect are observed throughout.
Mortuary cosmetics takes place after washing and embalming, before dressing and placing in the casket. It is one of the last stages of preparation.
The full preparation process normally takes 4–6 hours. After the cosmetics, the deceased is dressed in the clothing chosen by the family and made ready for the wake.
Embalming conserves the body; mortuary cosmetics restores the appearance. They are distinct but complementary stages — embalming prepares, cosmetics finishes.
For a good appearance at the wake, especially when it lasts more than one day, both are recommended. See also the page on preparing the deceased.
In some situations — after a long illness, an accident, or a medical procedure — the features need restorative work to achieve as natural an appearance as possible.
The restoration is carried out carefully and skilfully, to give the family a peaceful image of the person they have lost. We will tell you in advance what is achievable and what to expect.
Mortuary cosmetics is normally included as part of preparing the deceased, alongside washing and embalming. Complex restorative work is quoted separately, where needed.
We coordinate all preparation in one place, with a clear quote. For an overview of costs, see our general price guide.
The family entrusts us with the preparation and we take care of washing, embalming, and cosmetics — with discretion and respect.
We answer day and night. For a no-obligation conversation, call us or see our funeral packages that include preparation.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
It is the final stage of preparing the deceased, restoring a natural, peaceful appearance for the wake. It includes subtle make-up, hair care, and restorative work where needed.
Subtle make-up, hair styling, shaving where needed, hand and nail care, and restorative work on features where required. Personal items such as spectacles can be placed at the family's request.
Staff experienced in caring for the deceased, in a dedicated preparation room. It requires specific techniques and products — it is not ordinary make-up.
After washing and embalming, before dressing and placing in the casket. It is one of the last stages of preparing the deceased.
No. It is carried out privately, with discretion. The family sees their loved one only afterwards, at the wake.
No. Embalming conserves the body; cosmetics restores the appearance. They are distinct but complementary stages of preparation.
The cosmetics itself takes around one to two hours. The full preparation — washing, embalming, cosmetics, dressing — normally takes 4–6 hours in total.
In many cases, yes. Restorative work is done carefully, for as natural an appearance as possible. We will tell you in advance what is achievable.
Yes, within reasonable bounds. The family can request a particular hairstyle, the placement of spectacles, or personal items. We always aim for a natural, dignified appearance.
If there is an open-casket wake before the cremation, yes. If there is no viewing, mortuary cosmetics is not required.
It is normally included as part of preparing the deceased. Complex restorative work is quoted separately. We give a clear figure in advance.
No. Specialist products designed for the complexion are used, giving a natural appearance that holds throughout the wake.
No, it is not a legal requirement. It is recommended when an open-casket wake is held, for a dignified appearance of the deceased.
Our staff, using the clothing chosen by the family. After cosmetics comes dressing, placing any jewellery, and preparing for the casket.
Yes. Hair styling and combing is part of the cosmetics. If the family provides a photograph, we follow the usual style of the deceased.
No — mortuary cosmetics, together with embalming, helps maintain a good appearance throughout the wake, whether it lasts one or two nights.
Yes. At the family's request we place spectacles, a crucifix, a small icon, or other personal items as part of the preparation.
Yes, for everyone. Men receive shaving as an additional step; women receive subtle make-up. The aim is the same in both cases — a natural, dignified appearance.
We handle the full preparation — washing, embalming, and cosmetics — with discretion and respect. The family tells us their preferences and we follow them.
No, when done correctly. The aim is a natural appearance — as if peacefully asleep — not visible make-up. Appropriate products and techniques are used.
Throughout the wake, whether one or two nights. Together with embalming, it maintains a good appearance right through to the ceremony.
Yes. A photograph helps us follow the person's usual style and recreate an appearance as close as possible to how they looked in life.
Yes, with the same care and gentleness. Every case is treated with respect, regardless of age, for a peaceful appearance at the final farewell.
Yes. A calm, dignified appearance of the person who has died brings comfort to the family at the wake. The last image is one of peace.
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