MASK OF BEAUTY

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 139, 18 July 1914, Page 6

MASK OF BEAUTY

FAMOUS COMPLEXION LOTIONS REVIVED. 1

IN spite of the introduction of coloured powders t<* tint the skin yellow, mauve, or pink, as eaci woman's fancy may dictate, there is still a feminine majority who prefer the natural beauty of a fine white skin. ' Though doctors and professors of hygiene, may; rightly preach the doctrine that the laws of health ami right diet must be observed to obtain this coveted* session of a clear white skin, yet women are neve# satisfied unless they can use some outward lotion] or cosmetie. -4 Ever on the alert for novelty in this direction, jthe mondaine is - willing to to almost any inconveni"* ence and trouble that will aid her in obtaining he* desire. • Ancient Cosmetic Books. . Now she is studying the ancient beauty bookelin which are told the recipes that gave beauty of egim* plexion to the Greeks Soman, ,or Egyptian woman* These recipes she modernises to some extent, as of the preparations then used are practically unknown to-day. . ■ At present the mondaine Is favouring: the beauty mask. This is composed of the finest chamois leather, shaped as a mask, with slits for the eyes, nose, .audi mouth. It is fixed to the face by means of tapes tied at the back of the head, and, to have the desired effect the mask must be kept on all night* 'r . There are many preparations used for the lotions jtuid creams, with which this beauty mask is s£eeped a or smeared on the inside. Every woman has her favourite recipe, for the lotion that suits one complexion may, prove absolutely useless to another. . The general rule to observe is that the dry .stin - needs oils and creams to render it supple, while Hth« oily skin is benefited by more astringent remedies. ;One of the favourite concoctions said to whiten the ; skin in a remarkable manner'is a preparation made fxjbm bran and rice, mixed into a paste with the white of an egg, and a little honey beaten.into it... This is well mixed and the paste is then smeared inside of the mask. •'"> Used by Egyptian Women. ■ A beauty mask used by' the Egyptian^omen^-will help to whiten sallow complexions. Sweet almoncl. >oil„ mixed with oatmeal,* bitter almonds and pistachio nuts, pounded ami left to soak in spirits of wine, a little fine white sugar and white honey complete a decoction that may prove of much benefit if the mask sweated with this is left on all night. The Greek women are said to have used almond oil that was left exposed to, the sun for several hb&rs. ; To this was jtdded orange and roseivater, attd i a pinch of borax is used to assist in thfr -of wtisen-* iing the skin. *' '" rJ - ■ - * ' ' The mask is steeped in the mixture and laid on the face for several hours. * Aromatic Vapour for the Face. . V, Another process.for whitenjng' the skin" is modeled on the lines of the practice followed by. the Roman women. This is-practically steaming the face over a jug or of aromatic water. First of all, into, a pan of boiling water is set a jar containing a small glass of spirits of wine, mixed with the same quantity" of orange flower water, a drops of spirits of benzoin and tincture of myi'rh. This is made hot by keeping the jar long enough in the boiling water, and when'-the mixture is "steaming, the faee must be held over the basin, and the head covered with a towel to keep in the heat. ~'■ • j A little glycerine should be used to moisten the | face previously to steaming, but as glycerine may not • suit all skins, it is as well to mention that a -eery"'thin layer of almond oil will serve the same purpose. i When the , skin is damp witli the steam from this | aromatic lotion, it can be bathed with very hot water j followed by applications of cold water, to whi<;h have I been added a few drops of eau de Cologne. This 'aromatic steaming is good for oily skins,;as it helps to tighten the pores, and makes the complexion: very clear and white. ' . : The eyes must always be kept closed during the process of steaming, and this practice of whitening the skin should not be indulged in more than twice a month. An old remedy for improving tho tint of the skin is to bathe the face once every day in water in which the crumb of bread has been well soaked. The *best way to obtain the benefit from this process is t.Q Jjour boiling water over the bread and leave it to soak till the water has grown cold. Drain away the wat v er into a clean basin, and apply it to the face with a sponge. . . ' „