Recently, I wandered into one of those shops in the mall filled with smelly soaps, vanilla-flavored shampoos, and gift baskets for the bath. Before I knew it, thirty dollars had been charged to my credit card, and I was the bewildered owner of foot care products unknown to me before that day. I feel particularly ashamed to have spent four dollars for a two-ounce bottle of peppermint foot lotion. It was so bad, my big bottle of regular lotion mocked me when I got home.

I turn this week, then, to Dr. W. W. Bauer’s informative book Health, Hygiene and Hooey. Although it was written in the 1930s, it is surprisingly appropriate for today. As for me, I’m going to try to heed the good doctor’s advice and be more cautious. As long as I stay away from the foot lotion displays, I should be fine.

1938: Cosmetic Illusions

To paint the cosmetic picture in broad stokes, it is necessary merely to remember a few facts. There are so many cosmetic preparations that no agency has yet been established which has analyzed and classified all of them. Even if such an agency existed, there would be nothing to prevent the manufacturer from changing the formula overnight. The principal cosmetics used for make-up are quite safe for use on the normal skin ~ including creams, powders, rouges, lipsticks, eyebrow pencils, eyeshadow and mascara. Deodorants are safe. Most soaps are quite safe, though less romantic in their possibilities than claimed. Depilatory creams, skin peels, freckle creams, deep-pore cleansers or wrinkle creams, are best left alone because they will not do what is claimed for them, and may do harm. Hair dyes may or may not be safe, depending on what they contain and how they are used.

When in doubt about any cosmetic, stop its use until a doctor can be consulted. And consider the statement attributed to a cosmetic manufacturer who is reported to have said to a gathering of his business associates:

‘Remember, we do not sell merchandise; we sell illusion.’

Source: Bauer, W. W. Health, Hygiene and Hooey. Indianapolis: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1938.
~ pp. 102-103 ~

Oh, you don’t know how pleased I am to have found this week’s selection. In my many books on beauty and health, this is the first I’ve seen that has discussed the merits of NOT wearing makeup. As one who must have skipped the “how to apply cosmetics” lesson in junior high (and never figured it out in later years, either) I find this excerpt from The Household Guide, or, Domestic Cyclopedia, written by B. J. Jefferis and J. L. Nichols, quite refreshing.

1902: Cosmetics and Cheerfulness

Cosmetics are generally good for nothing but the drug business. One merry thought, one kind word, and the smallest contribution to another’s happiness, will do more for the complexion than a tableful of cold cream, violet powder, and other skin whiteners. A sweet thought will make the face brighten, and the eyes sparkle, every time it is harbored. It was Alice Cary who sang this old truth so gracefully thirty years ago: Don’t mind the cosmetics, little woman; just be as cheerful as you can. Make the best of things. Avoid disagreeable people. Don’t read or listen to the horrible. Try to forget the unpleasant things in life. Be cheerful, be gentle, and so be lovely.

Cosmetics. ~ Young lady, do not deceive yourself. You cannot use cosmetics without the knowledge of your gentlemen friends. They will respect you the more if you forever abandon the use of such subterfuges.

Vegetables Better than Cosmetics. ~ Ladies who wish clear complexions, instead of using cosmetics, eat vegetables and fruit, as long as they are in season; and never throw away cucumber water or the juice of any fruit, but rub your face with it whenever you have it.

Eat fruit, girls ~ good, ripe fruit, however ~ if you would have and keep a clear and beautiful skin.

Practice smiles, also, not frowns. There is a wonderful charm in a smile. Like charity, it hides a multitude of sins.

Source: Jefferis, Prof. B. G. The Household Guide, or Domestic Cyclopedia. Atlanta, Ga.: J. L. Nichols & Co., 1902.
~ p. 254 ~