Vintage Makeup Collections, Compacts and Coming of Age in the 1950s

Collecting vintage compacts and cosmetics can be an exciting and fun way to bring social history and beauty together in one hobby. The history of the cosmetics industry as well as women's social history can be told through the cosmetics and packaging that have been sold to us. 

1950s post-war Britain saw a boom in the production and marketing and cosmetics and specifically handbag-friendly lipsticks and compacts. The glamour of a red lipstick or a flawless powdered complexion doubtless helped Britain and other countries on their feet after the austerity and trauma of war, during which much cosmetics production was given over to war paint. This is the Marks and Spencer mirror and powder compact that my granny was given when she turned 21 in 1953.

Have a look at Lisa Eldridge's 2-part interview with vintage makeup collector Madeleine Marsh on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBbAqfIxUNM

Have a read of my review of Madeleine Marsh's 'Compacts and Cosmetics', a guide to the history of cosmetics and vintage makeup collecting http://cupcakesandcosmeticsbyclare.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/back-to-bloggin-title-tuesday-compacts.html 

Or check out the book on Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=compacts+and+cosmetics

Carpe Diem xx

Alternative Makeup Collection Organisation and Storage Tips

Reuse and recycle vintage tins and containers, or new pots and jars with pretty designs on them, as holders for organising makeup brushes and tools. Aesthetic, practical and free! 

What more could you want?

Keep a collection of travel size makeup and beauty products and tools in a safe place. Build up a collection from freebies or products you just haven't gotten around to trying yet so that you have them ready to go. Use a clear plastic cosmetic bag or zip-lock sandwich bag so that you can put it in you suitcase when you're ready to pack for that special holiday.

As we all know, airlines are sticklers for liquid allowances now. So be prepared and keep clear plastic 100ml bottles and jars ready to decant shampoos, conditioners, shower gel and moisturisers into. I got mine, with the cosmetic bag, from Boots.

Vintage and retro tea cups and saucers can be a great solution to compartmentalizing your makeup and beauty storage on the cheap. Not only saving you the trouble of going out and buying a load of clear plastic containers, but also adding a touch of glamour to your collection.

Have fun and get creative!

Carpe Diem xx

Competition in the YouTube Beauty Community

Source: http://christiannadowden.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/makeup-collection.html

Skinnier. Richer. Prettier. Cleverer. Are we all constantly locked in some kind of competition? Thousands of years ago primal mating competition was what drove the world, but in the age of hyper capitalism is the YouTube beauty community a platform for popularity and 'who has the most Mac products' competition? Or is it just a great way of sharing and participating in a community with the same passions? Either way, shouldn't we all judge ourselves on our own standards, and not others? 

What do you think? Comment below

Carpe diem xx