THE HISTORY OF COSMETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20626, 26 July 1930, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE HISTORY OF COSMETICS.

The history of cosmetics is the history of woman, and minor revolutions have raped and abated round the controversial subject and i 1 s moral or immoral implications. In Egypt, in its palmiest days, the uso of kohl and henna was almost obligatory for a woman who wished to hold her own—or anyone else's. Civilised Romo countenanced cosmetics for the embellishment of male as well as female beauty. But in England make-up has generally been regarded with suspicion, and Parliament in its leisure moments has attempted to make its use illegal. But now there aro women in Parliament. Men, according to mammas and aunts, dislike it. But if they do, it is only in a craven spirit: they fear its power. Max tells a charming story of a certain Lord Chesterfield who commanded his bedizened wife to " Go up and take it all off." and when sho had obeyed, oven more sternly, told her to " Go up and put it all on again." And it is nowadays generally admitted that tho only time when cosmetics are improper is when they are not properly applied. But there are fashions in faces. This may not bo considered a discreet and reticent age, but undoubtedly the fashionable make-up is both modest and naturalistic. Psychology has entered into tho art of makeup, eclecticism and fashion.