We celebrate iconic vintage beauty classics
April 13, 2010 by Lena
Whilst some cosmetics seem to pride themselves on their futuristic scientific credentials and their baffling talk of polypetides and liposomes, there are some vintage formulas and products that remain so popular that they continue to be manufactured, used and loved years after their original creation. From wonder balms to miracle creams, Frances Ambler salutes decades of beauty classics.
Keeping lips kissable since the 19th century, Smith’s Rosebud Salve and its pretty tin is a staple for every vintage dressing table. Originally created by pharmacist G.F. Smith in 1895, it is a wonder salve suitable for use as a lip balm, but it can also be used on cuts and grazes and even for smoothing down flyway hairs.
Still owned by the family company based in Maryland, USA, other suggested uses are as an eyebrow groomer, to enhance pretty cheekbones or a collarbone, or as an eye shadow base.
All this and it still smells divine.
Moving across to Europe at the turn of the 20th century where it was the fashion for ladies to dye their hair. In 1907 Eugène Schueller came up with the first synthetic hair dye, which he then sold onto hair salons. His business would eventually become L’Oréal. From these humble beginnings, L’Oréal has of course since become a massive global industry and now owns many of the companies featured in this article.
Great list.
…and not to forget Coty Airspun loose powder (as recommended to me by a particularly gorgeous vintage friend)
It smells like your nana’s makeup, has been around since the 30′s and makes your skin flawless, or as close to flawless as I’m ever going to get.