My collection of Vintage Beauty products began in 1997. I had been skimming through vintage stores, swap meets and garage sales with my mother, and grandmothers. I wish I had the knowledge then that I have now, or even the care to collect something in those days. But alas, there is always an individual path we all take, to find what we are meant to find. Having all this knowledge, I am more specific in eras and brands with my collection, but THIS is one of my favorites. From Cleopatra's Boudoir guide to perfume brands. "Established in 1915 by Victor Vivaudou, a French-American, affiliated with Delettrez, the initial creator of the Vivaudou products. Vivaudou produced low to medium priced range presentations, while Delettrez produced luxury presentations." Vivaudou and Delettrez created loose powder, perfumes, body talc, skin care, balms, rouge and lipsticks. Victor Vivaudou had a career in the beauty industry that spanned about 20+ years, he mismanaged the business from the beginning, had various scams, as well as family scandal. He eventually retired from the beauty industry in 1936, or possibly into the 1940s. I have a tattoo of this Vivaudou advertisment from 1924, (pictured left) by the famous artist Henry Clive. As you can tell this brand is very special to me. The artistry alone created in their advertising was just stunning. After almost 20 years of collecting I also have stumbled upon this ad, along with others from 1924 magazines. They were preserved so well, the colors look as if the magazine were printed a year ago. The piece below that I have found is spectacular! It was just last year, (yes this is the FIRST Vivaudou antique I have fell in love with). It's pretty funny considering all the other pieces I have seen. I guess I wanted this item to be as special as I was fortunate enough to procure. I present to you the Vivaudou Boudoirette. It' consists of lovely presentation box, inside a face powder and rouge with puff and mirror in a convenient cylinder. One side has a screw off lid that reveals a face powder shaker, (with powder inside). The other side is the flip-top mirror with miniature puff and rouge beneath. Also in the box are full refills of powder, (brand new and still in the wrapper) rouge with fresh powder puffs. I am still so tickled that I found this item. Such intriguing history. Thank you to Cleopatra's Boutique, Collecting Vintage Compacts and Cosmetics and Skin for providing such a wealth of information.
Until Next time loves!
3 Comments
Egyptian Kohl Pots
Cosmetics were used throughout the middle ages, and in Renaissance periods. In the late eighteenth century, the use of cosmetics was so widespread that Parliament passed a law that made the use of cosmetics part of a seduction, which to them meant witchcraft. From that law being passed, women that used cosmetics were basically called “ladies of the night”. In the late nineteenth century, cosmetics went through a revival in parts of Europe. The lipstick cases and compacts were adorned with gems, ornately painted landscapes and the like. In America, during the Victorian era and before World War I, the artificial use of beauty aids was frowned upon still and considered immoral. The opinion of society was, “to improve on nature, all women needed was proper diet, fresh air, and exercise”. You should all remember the scene from “Little Women” when they pinch their cheeks to look healthy, fresh and get that natural rosy glow. Now you know why! Cosmetics were used throughout the middle ages, and in Renaissance periods. In the late eighteenth century, the use of cosmetics was so widespread that Parliament passed a law that made the use of cosmetics part of a seduction, which to them meant witchcraft. From that law being passed, women that used cosmetics were basically called “ladies of the night”. Dorothy Grey's The Patter In the late nineteenth century, cosmetics went through a revival in parts of Europe. The lipstick cases and compacts were adorned with gems, ornately painted landscapes and the like. In America, during the Victorian era and before World War I, the artificial use of beauty aids was frowned upon still and considered immoral. The opinion of society was, “to improve on nature, all women needed was proper diet, fresh air, and exercise”. You should all remember the scene from “Little Women” when they pinch their cheeks to look healthy, fresh and get that natural rosy glow. Now you know why! In 1923, Dorothy Grey introduced The Face Patter, to stimulate circulation and make the cheeks naturally pink! From then on, attitudes regarding cosmetics changed dramatically in the beginning of the twentieth century. The use of makeup during the day was finally accepted and looked upon with respect. We have the silver screen’s trend setting film stars to thank for that! Max Factor Dry Rouge in "Rasberry" The word “make-up” was actually coined by Max Factor, beauty consultant to the stars. Women began to see that they could achieve a “modern” image with cosmetics, and then recognized the importance of personal beauty. As women became liberated and entered the business world, the cosmetic compacts and carryalls were a necessity. Excerpts and information from Vintage Ladies’ Compacts Identification & Value Guide, 1996 Under side of Max Factor Dry Rouge The piece I am showing you was purchased in Fargo, North Dakota. I was there for my best friend’s wedding and my flight was delayed as I was heading home to the west. Having some time to kill, I found the nearest antique shop and below you’ll see just one of the gems I found! I was sad the package was a bit thrashed, when I found it, but you can make out the stamping on the dry rouge itself! Gasp, they just don’t make rouge like that today! Max Factor was a true founding forefather in the world of cosmetics! My inspiration continues with all the prized antiques in the beauty world. There will be more to come, and I hope it inspires you as well! Max Factor Pressed Dry Rouge, in Rasberry from 1938. I found a this Max Factor Pressed Powder with the same packaging in 1996 ed. Collector’s Encyclopedia of Compacts, Carryalls & Face Powder Boxes. |
AuthorJessi Pagel is a makeup and hair artist working in commercial, lifestyle, corporate, editorial, tv and live events. This blog has everything from how-to's to the adventures of her life and works in progress. Archives
January 2019
Categories
All
|