• Home
  • ABOUT
  • Pick Your Fix
    • Advertising
    • Architecture
    • Civics & Rights
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Holidays
    • Home Life
    • Interior Design
    • Science & Tech
    • Transportation
  • The Library
    • Books on My Shelf
    • BLOGS I FOLLOW
  • Adventures in the Field
    • In Search of Stuff
    • In & Around New England
    • In & Around Michigan
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • RSS

My History Fix

the Fun Side of History!

MAKEUP ADS

April 14, 2016

Makeup: as old as mankind itself.  It’s been worn by women and men alike, not just for vanity, but for ceremonial and religious purposes too.  It still is in certain cultures.

History male makeup

Vikings’ Ragnar in ceremonial makeup, via Vikings; William Wallace’s going-into-battle makeup (though blue woad would not likely have been worn in his day), as portrayed in Braveheart, via Mental Floss; Vikings’ Floki sporting his casual, everyday look, via Vikings.

There is something about the painting of one’s face that imbues power.  I’ve felt it myself.  When I’m sick for a couple of days and realize it’s time to return to the land of the living, what do I do?  I put makeup on.  And I actually feel a little better.  It’s my game face!

Over the centuries, Western culture decided makeup was a girl-thing, at least as an everyday practice.  (Sounds like a little research is in order here—and a future Fix on the history of makeup!)  For now let’s take a stroll through the land of twentieth century magazine ads.  Watch how not only makeup styles have evolved and reemerged, but how the ads themselves change in look and message.  Ads always have a story to tell!

1900-‘TEENS: DELICATE & DEMURE

1900-1919 makeup ads

Jonteel, 1900, via Pinterest; Java, 1919, via The Makeup Box.

I have to say, the fact that the Jonteel ad has to state it “will not grow hair on the face” is pretty frightening!  Apparently there was a problem with that back then? Yikes!

1920s: AMPING UP THE DECADENCE

1920's makeup ads

L.T. Piver, c. 1920, via Pinterest; Rigaud & Maybelline, c. 1925, via Hair and Makeup Artist Handbook.

It’s the Roaring Twenties!  I love the look of these ads, and if the L.T. Piver face powder can transport me to that lush garden retreat, sign me up!  I actually sold one of their Azurea powders when I was in the antiques biz.

1930s: THE GREAT DEPRESSION, BUT YOU’D STILL BETTER LOOK GOOD!

1930s makeup ads

Via Pinterest: Princess Pat, c. 1937; Maybelline, c. 1931; Hollywood, c. 1935.

Ads from the 1930’s were text-heavy, featuring stories to sell their wares.  Clearly the only reason for makeup is to bag a man!

1940s: SUPPORT THE CAUSE, BE BEAUTIFUL!

1940s makeup ads

Via Pinterest: Ponds, 1945; Tangee, c. 1943; Max Factor, c. 1946 via Veronica Vintage.

It’s the Fourties and America is at war—the Tangee ad even mimics the flag!  I love Rita Hayworth, so I had to include this ad, cross-promoting her movie, “Gilda.”

1950s: VICTORIOUS & LIVING IT UP

1950s makeup ads

Revlon, 1954, via Pinterest; Max Factor, c. 1955, via Etsy; Lux, 1953, via Vintage Ad Browser.

The prosperous 1950’s ads are opulent and celebratory—life is good!

1960s: BOLD & SWINGING

1960s makeup ads

Yardley, c. 1965, via Pinterest; Newsweek, 1965, via Vintage Dress Up; Maybelline, c. 1966, via Found in Mom’s Basement; Revlon, 1967 via Pinterest.

The 1960’s were a hotbed of change, and fashion followed that change. The eyes had it: bright, outrageous colors and false eyelashes were hot.  Lips went light, even to white. Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton were iconic models of the era, so I had to include them!

1970s: OPTIONS & CHANGE ON THE HORIZON

1970s makeup ads

Maybelline, c. 1974, via Hair and Makeup Artist Handbook; Cover Girl, c. 1972, via Glamour Daze; Max Factor, c. 1978, via Pinterest.

Cover Girl (and Cybill Shepherd) ushered in the “clean” look of the Seventies as a foil to the crazy color eye—which was still in.

As I was putting this together I realized I wasn’t coming across ads with black models.  This was expected in the first half of the century, say through the ‘60s, but I was surprised that even when I specifically searched for black models in makeup ads they were a bit sparse.  Earlier ads tended to target that demographic, and I wanted to find ads that were for every-woman.  I found a few from the 1980s-90s, then it picks up in the twenty-first century—but that’s outside the timeframe for this piece!  Interesting and disappointing.  I found this ad featuring icon Beverly Johnson, known for being the first black model to make the cover of Vogue in 1974.  Beautiful!

1980s: NEW WAVE FABULOUS

1980s makeup ads

Time, 1981 via Pinterest; Revlon, c. 1985 via Fashion Gone Rogue; Charles Revson, 1985, via Pinterest.

I know the Time cover isn’t an ad, but Brooke Sheilds was a walking ad —her look was huge in the ‘80s!  Who knew eyebrows could be so controversial?  I remember a friend’s mom saying she wanted to hold her down and tweeze them.  Revlon’s “unforgettable women” campaign from the mid-80s was indeed memorable.  Each ad featured three or four supermodels in similar attire and makeup.   And this section wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the tri-color eye c.1985…complete with Walkman!  Are you feeling the MTV vibe?

1990s: THE DISTILLATION OF THE DECADES?

1990s makeup ads

Via Pinterest: Christian Dior, 1994; Revlon, c. 1995; Revlon, 1997.

The Nineties—less crazy color, but still bold.  If you think about it, this bold but more neutral color range represents elements of the previous nine decades: the strong lip that prevailed most of the century is there, and the eyes went both ways, strong color or more subtle.  Cindy Crawford is stunning in Raisin Rage, but that look would have worked with your grunge flannel too!

When it comes to makeup I believe we should go with what makes us feel good, even if that’s no makeup at all.  Who we are on the inside is what truly matters.

My makeup memories include too much eyeliner in middle school, applied like a security blanket, and totally rocking the purple/blue/gray eye in high school—what are your makeup tales?  Preferences?  Share in the comments, and check Facebook in the coming week for more fabulous vintage looks!

Filed Under: Advertising, Fashion 1 Comment

<- ART DECO: MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NEWBURYPORT, MA ->

Comments

  1. Glenda Sparrow says

    April 15, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Revlon’s Raisin Rage was my favorite lip color for YEARS, until they took it off the market and I had to find a new color.

    I still love my security blanket eyeliner, though I no longer darken the black by exposing it to a lighter like I did in high school and college. Oh, the memories.

    Keep up the great writing, Christina. I look forward to your posts each week.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Never Miss a Fix!

ABOUT

Art Deco bookends

ART DECO: MISTAKEN IDENTITY

I love love love Art Deco.  And I think it’s probably the most confused style out there! Often anything kind of old or ornamental is labeled Art Deco, but there are a couple of specific styles that … [Read More...]

Tiger Stadium facade post-closing

BASEBALL AND PLACES OF THE HEART

I believe most people become attached to places at some point in their lives.  Places hold meaning for us, be it through time spent, or events, or maybe just the feel, the vibe of the place. I was … [Read More...]

ROCKPORT, MA: SUMMER SUNDAY ROAD TRIP

Sunday afternoon my friend Holly texted me to see if I wanted to go to Rockport (Massachusetts) with her; she was going to take a look at a property listing she found online. Why not? Rockport is one … [Read More...]

CHRISTMAS CARDS: HOLIDAY ART

In the thick of the Holiday season, running down my to-do list I see: Make Christmas cookies for work Wash dishes Vacuum Prepare for Michigan trip Send Christmas Cards Gift … [Read More...]

DETROIT EYE CANDY: THE GUARDIAN BUILDING

Yes it’s true, Detroit has eye candy! Let me give you a tour of my favorite Detroit space, the Guardian Building. Good architecture makes you feel something, it stirs your emotions. I dare you to … [Read More...]

FOLLOW MY HISTORY FIX ON INSTAGRAM!

Walking that tight rope forward! Wishing health, p Walking that tight rope forward! Wishing health, prosperity and peace to all in 2021! ✨ #vintage #newyearbaby #happynewyear #greetingcards
Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄 This is a small por Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄 This is a small portion of my vintage Christmas collection. The tall gold angel is my childhood tree topper❤️ #vintage #vintagechristmas #christmas #elves #angels
Happy Thanksgiving! This sweet little pin was made Happy Thanksgiving! This sweet little pin was made by Hallmark c. 1976. I was happy to find it, as I had one as a child! It’s nestled in a bracelet made of dimes. Both can be found—along with many other treasures— @thoreaulyantiques in Concord, MA. #vintage #thanksgiving #jewelry
Boston’s South End, from a walk a few weeks back Boston’s South End, from a walk a few weeks back. #boston #architecture #masonry #cityphotography #southendboston
This sweet vase is one of my favorite finds— @th This sweet vase is one of my favorite finds— @thoreaulyantiques ❤️ #vintage #antique #vases #artdeco
My cat and her namesake.❤️❤️❤️ #cat #c My cat and her namesake.❤️❤️❤️ #cat #catsofinstagram #rosemaryclooney #bookstagram @mimi.clooney.trixie
HOW COOL IS THIS AD? ❤️❤️❤️ c. 1903 Li HOW COOL IS THIS AD? ❤️❤️❤️ c. 1903 Life Magazine.
#automotive #advertising #vintage #vintagecars #vintageadvertising #antique
Looking for some stability. Found this great ancho Looking for some stability. Found this great anchor knocker in Beacon Hill the other day. ❤️ #beaconhill #boston #anchor #architecture #frontdoor #decor
#blackouttuesday #blackouttuesday
Driving down an empty downtown Boston street today Driving down an empty downtown Boston street today, I took the opportunity to slam on the brakes, pull over and snap this gem in all its Deco glory!❤️ #artdeco #architecture #details #boston #design
Looking around at things with fresh eyes. I hope a Looking around at things with fresh eyes. I hope all is well with you! #books #bookstagram #antiques #artdeco #bookends #penguins #vintage #green #collection
Whenever I visit #newportri I have to see the #new Whenever I visit #newportri I have to see the #newporttower — what an amazing structure! #architecture #ancient #masonry #archeoastronomy #vibes ❤️
Happy 2020 to all!!! I am very much looking forwar Happy 2020 to all!!! I am very much looking forward to a new decade full of creativity, fulfillment and good health. This mosaic I made reminds me of being in Flow (as I was when making it) and I expect to feel more of that in the coming year and beyond. Best wishes and Happy New Year! 🎆 #2020 #happynewyear #freshstart #flow #mosaic #create #getitdone
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that we I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that we all make the most of the final days of 2019!🎄#christmas #christmastree #memories #holiday #vintageornaments #vintage
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 Cuisine Theme by Viva la Violette