COSMETICS SHORTAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23994, 18 June 1941, Page 11

COSMETICS SHORTAGE

LOSS OF MANY BRANDS PROBLEM FOR WOMEN SEARCH FOR SUBSTITUTES Woman's natural vanity is having a very poor Hon ring in t lie present war economies. First her silk stockings became scarce, and now the same tiling is happening to her cosmetics. Probably cosmetics seem a trivial thing to do without, but it is amazing how a ''well-groomed" face keeps up a woman's morale. A shiny nose and pale Hps are to a wrtman as repugnant as an unshaven chin is to a man. The restricted import of cosmetics has caused something of a flutter to Auckland women, many of whom, however, are relieved to hear that many popular brands are being, or are soon to he, manufactured in New Zealand. There are, of course, plenty of lipsticks, powder and rougo to be had at the present moment, but the particular brands to which a woman might have become accustomed have in many cases disappeared from the market and she is now casting about for a suitable substitute. Women who treasure a good skin do no! care to use any preparation without knowing something about its quality, and that is why. when a satisfactory brand of cosmetic is discovered for an individual case, the parting with it becomes hard. It is only in recent years that cosmetics have played quite such an important part in a woman's general grooming. Nowadays there are diflerent colours tor use with different ensembles and at different hours of the day, and for different occasions such as the ballroom or the beach. Travelling beauty specialists have had an important cfleet on the women who use cosmetics. With free treatments they have demonstrated to them the special kinds and colours suitable for their type, with the result that women have become very "lace conscious" and have studied their make-up with as much seriousness as they have designed their new season's clothing. . , , . Women in uniform, of whom there are fairly large numbers in Auckland at present, have the advantage that, in most cases cosmetics are not looked upon favourably by their authorities, lu one case cosmetics are to be used "with discretion and in moderation, which means in effect that, while a shi 11 v nose is not essential, neither are vividly red lips. In another group of uniformed women, the members are told in no uncertain terms if their facial make-up offends the military eye, while coloured nail varnish is definitely banned.