bits and bobs

HISTORY OF MAKE UP: DATES TO REMEMBER

While flicking through an old copy of British Vogue I found a very interesting article about the basic tools for our beauty routine: who and when they were invented:

Face Cream: Guerlain’s Secret de Bonne Femme was launched in 1904.
Bronzing Powder: Guerlain introduces Terracotta in the 1900’s
Mascara: in 1914 Max Factor introduces the first form of mascara for films – a wax to be heated and applied to the lashes. By 1916 this mascara is available to the public.
Foundation: Max Factor develops flexible greasepaint for films in 1914
Hair Dye: Eugene Schueller calls his synthetic hair colour Aureole in 1907 and sets up a company called L’Oreal.
Nail Polish: Cutex commercialises nail polish in 1917.
The Perm: in 1906 Charles Nestle invents his permanent-wave machine
False Lashes: Max Factor creates a set out of human hair in 1919, but doesn’t sell false eyelashes commercially until 1959.
Eyelash curlers: Kurlash is invented in 1923.
Perfumed face powder: Caron introduces Peau Fine in 1920
Hand Held hairdryer: invented in 1969. Before this hood hairdryers were the only option available.
Hair Straighteners: Babybliss was the first company to introduce straightening irons for pro use in 1980, but did not sell them to the public until 1987.

WHAT WE USED TO DO…

Egg White: was painted on skin nightly for it’s tightening effect during the 20’s.
Liquid Stockings: during World War II a tan-coloured cream was painted over legs and a browline drawn up the backs to mimic stockings.
Boot Polish: was used in World War II instead of mascara due to make-up shortages.
Milk of Magnesia: was used to lighten skin to the ivory tone that was in vogue in 1916.
Flame Soot: was mixed with baby oil to create smoky eyes in the 20’s and 30’s before eyeshadow was invented.
A rabbit’s foot: was used as a rouge applicator in the early 20th century.
Hair Ironing: in the 60’s women draped their hair over an ironing board and covered it with a paper bag or towel before ironing it straight.
Rose Petal Blush: rose petals were steeped in red wine for weeks and used as substitute for rouge during World war II.


Amazing eh?!
Full articles from British Vogue December 2006.