1910 Beauty

The following pages will cover:

Page one... Makeup and Skincare
Page two... Fragrances and Nails
Page three... Fashion
Page four... Hair
Page five.... Reference Books

Makeup

Women must have known that mascara was on its way because they were already doing a little something to their lashes all on their own. It was a little unusual however... it involved adding hot beads of wax to the tips.

Max Factor introduced his Pan-Cake Makeup in 1914

The movie industry took notes when Vogue featured Turkish women using henna to outline their eyes.

It made the eyes look much larger and the word "vamp" became associated with these women. Surprisingly, vamp was short for vampire.

While "vamps" were appearing on the screen, another look was emerging which was very different. Flowing hair and angelic faces were soon being copied. Makeup was minimal although the women did like their false lashes. Lillian Gish and Mary Pickford were well known for this softer look.

The first pressed powders were introduced during this decade complete with a tiny mirror and puff to aid in touch ups.

Pressed powder blush offered in a variety of shades came soon after. Lipstick in the shape of a rod in a metal base soon found their way onto purses of American women. The metal cases were invented by Maurice Levy.

By 1910, lipstick was not only being applied to the lips, it was being tattooed in place by George Burchett, known as the "Beauty Doctor." Unfortunately, it did not always work and as you can imagine, it is rather difficult to cover facial tattoos.

T.L. Williams watches his sister Mabel apply petroleum jelly to her lashes and he formulates the first mascara that he went on to name after her. We know it today as Maybelline.

*Skincare

Nivea cream was formulated in Germany. Other companies began creating their own creams, but often they were nothing more than Vaseline mixed with a little fragrance.

Women began thinking about how they could make their skin look younger and an early version of an acid peel arrived on the scene.

How comfortable it was is debatable as it was simply a combination of acid and electric currents applied to the skin. Obviously it did remove the outer layer of skin.

Women also discovered that a needle could insert paraffin to the eye area and cheeks. Unfortunately, it was not very successful.

An odd looking contraption with chin straps was introduced to help with saggy jowls and double chins. They obviously didn't work, but women were desperate to try anything that would help.

With the introduction of World War 1, women were finding themselves in need of creams and lotions that had once been imported from Paris. This gave the United States the chance to start their own companies to supply the need.