Freckles, Complexions, Cosmetics, and Victorian Beauty Concoctions

FRECKLES,Â SUNTAN, AND SUNBURN…

REQUIRE CURE.
Freckles, Complexions, Cosmetics, and Victorian Beauty Concoctions

While beauty marks and dimples were deemed attractive and desirable by our Victorian American ancestors, freckles and suntan, apparently, were not.

Cures Suntan! Gallipolis Journal of Gallipolis, Ohio on January 20, 1870.

Hagan’s Magnolia Balm Bottle. [Source]

Secret De Ninion to remove freckles as well as unwanted facial hair. For sale in the Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue, 1898.

Freckle Treatment. Promoted in the Harrisburg Telegraph of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on April 14, 1877.

Freckle Treatment. Promoted in Harrisburg Telegraph of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on April 14, 1877.

Removes moth patches, freckles, and suntan. The Charleston Daily News of Charleston, South Carolina, on January 1, 1870.

COMPLEXION

Victorian young ladies (and ladies of all ages) were apparently persuaded that the paler, the better. Suntan, sunburn, and freckles were to be avoided–and could be done so with the purchase and application of fine cosmetic remedies.

A lovely complexion is the secret of captivation! Knoxville Daily Chronicle of Knoxville, Tennessee on January 3, 1872.

Toilet soaps for the complexion–will do away with sunburn, suntan, and freckles. For sale in the Montgomery Ward & Co. Spring and Summer Catalog, 1895.

The complexion could be enhanced by use of cosmetics. Montgomery Ward & Co. Spring and Summer Catalogue of 1895.

BLUSHING

Blushing, however, must have been deemed attractive and desirable (like beauty marks and dimples). Just look at this crafty invention–bringing about “spontaneous” blushing!

Invention: Spontaneous Blusher! Detroit Free Press of Detroit, Michigan on January 18, 1874.

PHOTOGRAPHY, GUARANTEED TO LOOK YOUR BEST

If all the potions, lotions, and treatments in the world can’t raise one’s beauty to the desired standard, visit your favorite photographer (sign of the revolving pyramid)–for he can magically erase your pimples, freckles, and undesirable facial features.

Western Reserve Chronicle of Warren, Ohio, on January 12, 1870.

OLD WEST BARBERS, HAIRDRESSERS, AND VICTORIAN BEAUTY

This article concludes the series of twelve posts about anything and everything related. I hope you enjoyed! You’ll find links to the posts below (and more that are closely related).

What do you think of the Victorian American standard of beauty? The ladies’ hairdressers’ shops and barber shops? Scroll down and leave a comment–I’d love to hear from you.