Beauty—Via the Back of the Neck

Southland Times, Issue 21823, 28 September 1932, Page 5

Beauty—Via the Back of the Neck

(From Our Correspondent.) Paris. New beauty treatments are as interesting to women as are new clothes; so probably this is why one can always find something new in the cult of good looks in Paris, where beauty and fashion walk hand in hand. It is interesting to note that the majority of these treatments usually originate in America, for Parisians seem to specialize more in the art of .makeup than in the art of actual scientific beauty culture; but they are quick to take up anything that is likely to add to, or prolong, youthful good looks. During a recent visit to Paris I asked a friend my usual question—“ Well, what is the latest beauty treatment here?” And I was at once referred to the newest American “cult” at a salon which has been open only a few months. Whereupon I sallied forth to see what it was like, prepared to bear it, whether painful or pleasant—and some are distinctly unpleasant! I have sad recollections of one treatment I experienced, which made me feel I had had a “few words” with a boxer, for this entailed much face-slapping with a special spatular-like instrument guaranteed to make a double chin an impossibility. I decided afterwards that there are many worse things than a double chin!

First, I was draped in the usual white gown, but instead of my. hair being wrapped in the usual white cloth, it was kept back from my face by a swathed “bandage” of elastic paper wound tightly round my head, and I found this much more comfortable and cooler than the cloth. My face was then cleased with cleanser No. 1. An interesting point about this treatment is that only liquids are used and one ointment, and the face is never touched with the hands of the operator. Then Rejuvenator No. 2 was applied. This burns for a few moments. It stimulates the tissues and glands, and takes the place of the more usual slapping. The stinging sensation it gives to the skin is soon counteracted by the use of an ordinary paper fan. Afterwards the face is soothed and the skin nourished by the application of a semiliquid ointment, No. 3 in the series, which is massaged into the skin with a rubber brush.

After this a very interesting little machine is used. This consists of a vacuum cap giving a sort of cupping massage which is applied to the back and neck, concentrating on the back of the neck where the blood vessels and nerves are centred, and finally on the face. This naturally stimulates the circulation.

Lastly an astringent, No. 4, is applied. This is again a liquid and has an oil base, and forms a satisfactory powder base. While this is still damp, Miss Morel applies her special oil base face powder. Before leaving this salon in the Rue Royale, feeling like a lioness refreshed, I was shown an amusing beauty item for men. It was aptly called a “Cocktail for your Face,” and was an astringent lotion to be applied after shaving or when the skin feels in need of a “refresher.”