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

by Madeleine Marsh

Cosmetics have been used to increase attraction since ancient times whilst Compacts have been a symbol of love for generations but especially since the 1920s. In this fascinating book, vintage accessories' expert Madeleine Marsh discusses just what makes compacts so desirable and reveals their hidden secrets from cameras to cigarettes. Madeleine shows what to buy and where, what to spot when buying and how to make the most of your compacts, vintage cosmetics or beauty accessories.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Fashion, Historical, Fashion History, Feminism

ebook

First published November 19, 2009

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was totally my cup of tea (or, should I say, shade of lipstick?) I loved, loved, loved reading about the progression of trends and technology 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 modern decade. I hadn't realized before how clear-cut the popular styles in make-up were, but looking at the products offered and the advertisements for them made it very clear. (It also made me feel foolish about my own susceptibility to what are clearly fads.) I thought the author did a great job of making her point in a concise, readable, and enjoyable way. Unfortunately, there were many egregious typos which took away from the credibility of the book. It seemed like it may have been rushed to print, although I don't know why that would have been the case. On the upside, there were tons of awesome photos of beauty products and advertisements from every era (which, it turns out, are mostly from the private collection of the author!). This would be a helpful resource for historical novelists, and just a super fun read for anyone who loves makeup.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think once it's established that this is written by an enthusiastic collector and not by a make-up artist or an academic, the whole book makes a lot more sense and is more fun to read- it does suffer from the occasional editing issue and sometimes slides more towards the sensational than the educational but it's a lovely read. I've seen readers complaining about the lack of quality in the pictures but I find the photographs from the author's collection have a very authentic charm on their own, and it's a very enjoyable book to look at and read through.

[Georgene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book on the history of the use of cosmetics. It actually starts with the ancient Egyptians and their use of cosmetics, but mostly covers (pun intended) from the Victorian era up through the early years of this century.

Although, I seldom if ever wear cosmetics myself, I found this book to be quite interesting and there are some really great pictures of powder compacts and ads from the eras it covers.

[Willow Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, takes the reader through the history of cosmetics; from the Ancient Egyptians through to the early 2000s.
Most of the compacts and advertisements included in the book, are from the authors own collection; and it really is a beautiful collection. It makes me sad that compacts are not made like they were in the past.
What I will say, is that the book is not a social history - it neither discusses the impacts of makeup on the changing image of femininity nor the societal implications. The book does however, describe the pivotal points; Women's suffrage, the first world war, the second world war, and the changing role of mass media and its proliferation.
Overall, this book would make an excellent compendium to a historical display (I could see it being part included at an exhibition at the V&A for example).

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not really an academic investigation of cosmetics and their connection to social history. It doesn’t draw conclusions, or explain the significance of cosmetics in a broader context. Its a very factual account of which types of makeup existed and when, and also describes the various makeup trends that occurred throughout history.

It really feels like a collector had a ton of cool stuff in their collection and wrote a book in order to show you their cool stuff. If you are also interested in collecting cosmetics this would be a very cool book, but I was expecting something a little different.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of lovely pictures, lots of information, and a pretty easy read. Ironically, it only got boring when we got to the past 10-20 years of make-up. Probably because it's less about cute packaging and innovation and more about models and photoshop and consumerism. But I have the almost overwhelming urge to get myself a minaudiere now.

[Lauren Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this especially the pictures. The images made me wonder what someone 100 years from now will make of our own cosmetics and their packaging.

[Corina Leth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope! Don’t recommend it. I would write more interesting and informative myself….while doing my make up.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an in-depth account of the history of make-up, but it gives you the basics and does so in a way that makes it fun and fascinating.

[Rei · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Alyona · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gives a nice overview of make-up history and trends. It's an easy read, I missed a little more detail or depth though. As much as I admire author's collection, I can't chime in with the reviews praising pictures of the collectibles. In my opinion, the pictures were quite amaturistic and certainly did not reveal the beauty of the items. This book can be recommended to those readers who are new to make-up world and want to have a crash course on major names in the industry.

[Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good resource if you want to find our more in the history of the beauty industry. It was definitely helpful as a part of my studies in beauty marketing. It shows the beginning of what beauty is today along with the ancients. I also like the photos in this book. It’s a great resource for advertisements and photos of vintage collection of makeup & beauty products.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

History and Beauty

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love vintage compacts and even own a few. I found this history of the times told through make-up and beauty to be fun and interesting. I never thought about how much we can learn from beauty routines through the ages. I am now quite fascinated with this subject and hope to read more along these lines!

[Mária · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on beauty and make-up history. It doesn't only include "face paint" ,rather all aspects of beauty: fashion, hair- skin care, and even diet and excercise regimes of the ages. Madeleine Marsh makes the topics really interesting and you can feel her passion towards the subject, seeping through the lines.
This book quickly became a favourite of mine.

[Marisol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book is extremely informative, and the images of vintage cosmetics are delightful, it's written in such a straightforward textbook manner that it takes the joy and levity out of the art of makeup.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in history, cosmetics, or both. The progression (and frequent cycles) of beauty standards over the 100-150 years that the book covers in detail were remarkable to look at.

[Ellen Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

This was recommended on Lisa Eldridge's vlog on YouTube. She also interviewed the author. This was such a quick, enjoyable read. I may not be as makeup crazy as I was in my youth, but the history of it is still fascinating to me.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative and has some great vintage illustrations. Read like an interesting text book :)

[Mills College Library]

745.593 M366 2014

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book. Well researched and the pictures are really great as well. I almost read it in one go.

[A.L. Butcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Mierda Amazon]

I think Amazon is really dangerous.