Today I want to share my thoughts on 5 books from my personal library, these books really inspired me to start this blog with you, as a makeup artist it's important to me to understand how the beauty industry got where it is today and who influenced it.
Let's jump right in shall we! :)
#1 FACEPAINT - THE STORY OF MAKEUP
Definitely, in my top favourite beauty books out there, Lisa Eldrige is such an inspiration to many Makeup Artist and Collectors... and she did influence me in starting my own vintage collection (I was already a geek though lol) LOVE everything about this book! The way she explores vintage beauty history is simply fascinating, you can feel her passion through this book, it's so very informative, interesting and FUN to read.
If you're like me and find makeup fascinating, you'll love this!
Book Description: Makeup, as we know it, has only been commercially available in the last 100 years, but applying decoration to the face and body may be one of the oldest global social practices. In Face Paint, Lisa Eldridge reveals the entire history of the art form, from Egyptian and Classical times up through the Victorian age and golden era of Hollywood, and also surveys the cutting-edge makeup science of today and tomorrow. Face Paint explores the practical and idiosyncratic reasons behind makeup’s use, the actual materials employed over generations, and the glamorous icons that people emulate, it is also a social history of women and the ways in which we can understand their lives through the prism and impact of makeup.
#2 COMPACTS AND COSMETICS
This book was totally my cup of coffee! Madeleine Marsh is an artist & specialist in post-war collectables, love how she digs into the social history of makeup and beauty practices just like a detective would. Loved reading about the progression of trends in makeup, I was fascinated by the advertisements and beauty implements of Victorian times, and it was so interesting to read about "the look" that characterized each decade. Just a super fun read for anyone who loves makeup!
Book Description: Cosmetics go all the way back to ancient times. In this book, an expert in vintage accessories tells the story of beauty products from the nineteenth century to the present, revealing how both makeup and the women who wear it have changed. Madeleine Marsh also delves into the subject of compacts, which have been a symbol of love for generations and are often beautiful works of art in themselves, worthy of collecting. And in addition to fascinating historical facts and gorgeous illustrations, she shares tips on what to buy and where, what to spot when buying, and how to make the most of your compacts, vintage cosmetics, or beauty accessories.
#3 BEAUTY AND COSMETICS 1550-1950
An entertaining and interesting small book (under 100 pages) tracing the history of cosmetics, what I loved about this one is how it examines some of the more unusual cosmetic practices from the use of preparations of white lead powder, to damaging, debilitating and even tragic effects that went on for nearly two centuries. There are plenty of relevant and fascinating illustrations, and the author always makes her point clearly, including details that capture the feel of the period. If f you're new to the topic and want to have an overview, this book is for you!
Book Description: Exhibiting enormous power or inspiring incredible devotion, throughout history beauty has been women's chief asset. Each age has required its own standard - a gleaming white brow during the Renaissance, the black eyebrows considered charming in the early 18th century, or the thin lips thought desirable to the Victorians. For those naturally blessed, their beauty could ensure a good marriage, offer social mobility, fame or notoriety whereas those without such obvious gifts would resort to any ends to achieve an illusion of beauty. Ours is not the only age when beauty is celebrated but also judged and quantified. From the colour of the ear to the transparency of the teeth the benchmark for every aspect of beauty has been set and women - and some men - have applied themselves wholeheartedly risking their lives using poisonous chemicals, their fortunes at the risk of blackmail, or the wrath of God, to reach the desired targets.
#4 AMERICAN COMPACTS OF THE ART DECO ERA
This book is more of an extensive bibliography of Art Deco Compacts, a beautiful image catalogue of these artworks, I love that it speaks in-depth about Elgin American & J.M Fisher, I learned a lot about these two pillars in the cosmetics industry. There is also a section with a short history of cosmetics & compacts and a few interesting pages dedicated to Elgin American 'Bird in Hand' Compact (if you read my other post, you know this one by now lol).
A must-have for any Art Deco lover!
Book Description: In the late 1920s and early 1930s, American manufacturers created a stunning variety of powder compacts reflecting the modern design concepts of what we now call Art Deco. The advent of the Great Depression had a devastating effect on the producers of these beautiful compacts. Many manufacturers either went out of business or merged with other companies. The book includes comprehensive coverage of the Art Deco compacts produced by Elgin American and J. M. Fisher as well as a survey of Art Deco compacts produced by other American manufacturers of this era including Evans Case Company; Girey Company; Marathon Company; Pilcher Manufacturing Company; Richard Hudnut Corporation; Ripley & Gowen Company; Theodore W. Foster & Bros. Co.; Volupte, Inc.; and others.
#5 WAR PAINT HELENA RUBINSTEIN & ELIZABETH ARDEN
I have had this on my reading list for a while and though it was a long book, it was filled with wonderful details about the lives of these two women rivals in the cosmetics/beauty industry.
A fascinating read for anyone with interests in fashion and beauty, the lives of leading businesswomen, history, advertising, art and publishing. Lindy Woodhead's dual biography was meticulously researched. A remarkable look into consumer culture throughout the world.
Overall a very interesting, in-depth look at the two women.
Book Description: A fascinating dual biography of the women who founded today's beauty industry, they were both born in the nineteenth century in humble circumstances―Helena Rubinstein in an orthodox Jewish household in Kraków, Poland, Elizabeth Arden on a farm outside Toronto. But by the 1930s, they were bitter rivals in New York, the rulers of duelling international beauty empires that would forever change the way women thought about cosmetics, salons, and wrinkles. This riveting biography brings these two celebrated women to life, revealing the ruthless drive and innovative business strategies that took each to the top. Along the way, it offers an intriguing look at their personal idiosyncrasies (Rubinstein collected art, Arden racehorses), their checkered marriages, and the rarefied social milieu in which they both travelled.
I will eventually share another round of book reviews with you, you already know I love sharing my knowledge and research on beauty history.
Hope this blog inspired you to read these books, actually, did you read any of these?
Yours truly,
Melanie
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