Who said it’s easy to be a woman? Since ancient times women strived to be good housewives, amazing mothers, and also attractive wives to their husbands, trying everything possible to keep their looks and beauty intact over the years.
Below you will find an accumulation of 12 vintage pictures, showing women trying out or advertising the latest beauty gadget, or beauty practices that were accustomed to and expected to be followed in their era. Just a warning, some of these pictures might “disturb” you a bit as they were quite extreme.
1. A Full-Faced Swimming Mask in the 1920s
Women in the early 20th century were quite protective of their skin, sun marks or freckles were actually quite unwanted, as the beauty standards of their time suggested a porcelain smooth face, “untainted” by imperfections.
2. 10th Century Chinese Tradition – Foot Binding
The foot binding custom was broadly practiced in China, starting back in the 10th century leading up to the beginning of the 20th century. Initially, it was practiced among the nobility and it was considered a symbol of beauty and social status. However, later on, it spread to the rest of the social classes. The foot binding practice led to lifelong disabilities and deformities. The feet that were altered by this custom were called Lotus Feet.
3. Faceless Beauty Contest In Cliftonville, 1936
Pageants were clearly quite different back in the early 20th century. Women were probably obligated to cover their faces to avoid any recognition and keep the judging as objective as possible.
4. French Breast Washer,1930s
What an intriguing gadget, isn’t it? It does make one wonder about the purpose of it, but for those that remember that bidet originated in France, maybe it’s quite clear. Maybe the French just wanted different ways to wash different parts of their body. Some claim that this is actually, a “breast enhancement” water massage device.
5. Mid-1940s Freckleproof Cape
As its name suggests the cape’s function was to protect the skin from unwanted sun freckles that could harm the image of the skin. Some Asian cultures today prefer to use longer swimming suits, long-sleeved shirts, or cloth-like swimsuits to cover their bodies and protect them from the sun. They really love their milky image.
6. A Perm In Germany In 1929
Well, this was probably considered a great device for its time. By the looks of it though, the hair might have been in danger of getting scorched easier.
7. Facial Warming Mask, 1940
An amazing old-fashioned beauty gadget that was used to stimulate the blood circulation on the face and keep the face young and fresh.
8. Water Baths With Electric Current, To Improve Blood Circulation, Circa 1938
It does look a bit dangerous, doesn’ it? This is another device of her time four water bathes with electric current, to improve blood circulation.
9. Dimple Machine In 1936
Probably this is something that corresponds to today’s facial Yoga and massage practices. It does look a bit painful to wear, quite the opposite of these Korean Face Slimmer bands that aim to give you a V-shaped face.
10. A Fruit Mask From The 1930s
This is obviously the 1930s version of detox and highly cleansing facial mask for rejuvenation of the skin. It does make you wanna burst into laughter, doesn’t it?
11. Customers Have Their Legs Painted At A Store In Croydon, London, 1941
During WWII, in England, the price of silk and nylon was quite high, so women weren’t able to buy their stockings. New ways were “invented” so women will look properly dressed. They started painting their legs to look as if they wore stockings. Some even painted the long line at the back of their legs.
12. A Suntan Vending Machine, 1949
While some wanted to avoid the sun and the sun-kissed color that came after a long day at the beach, some others wanted to look a bit more summery without even stepping out in the sun. What a better solution than a Suntan Vending machine. This was obviously the ancestor of today’s suntan salons.
If you would like to see more of the beauty practices that women went through at the beginning of the 20th century, check out the thread on Boredpanda.
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