Compacts and Cosmetics: Beauty from Victorian Times to the Present Day

Social history of women's romance with compacts and cosmetics. Asks why compacts were one of the few acceptable gifts from potential partners. Includes top makes and designers, plus vintage advertising, museums, specialist dealers and auctions.

---

This fascinating book explores the history of makeup and beauty from lipstick to leg shaving. Madeleine Marsh chronicles the development of cosmetics from a secret shame in the 19th century, to a handbag essential in the 20th. She tells the stories behind famous brands; explores the role of makeup in peace and war - showing how our daily beauty rituals reflect the changing roles of women across the decades. This lavishly illustrated history also provides a guide to collecting vintage compacts and cosmetics - revealing the old makeup that you shouldn't throw away.