Painted faces : a colourful history of cosmetics
Stewart, Susan (Susan Margaret)2017
Books
Throughout history, women (and men) have applied make-up to enhance, alter, conceal and even to disguise their appearance. Also, to a greater or lesser degree over time, cosmetics have been used as a visible marker of social status, gender, wealth and well-being. A closer look at the world of make-up gives us not only a mirror reflecting day-to-day life in the past, but also an indicator of the culture and politics of earlier periods in history. Susan Stewart guides the reader through the bewildering, fascinating and complex story of cosmetics, from the ancient world to the present day. Anyone who has ever wondered how the Romans used algae to colour their faces and urine to whiten their teeth, how Radium came to be a popular 1930s beauty trend, or how make-up survived the war will enjoy this colourful journey through the human obsession with improving how we look.
Main title:
Painted faces : a colourful history of cosmetics / Susan Stewart.
Author:
Stewart, Susan (Susan Margaret), author
Imprint:
Stroud, Gloucestershire : Amberley, 2017.
Collation:
288 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (black and white, and colour) ; 24 cm
Notes:
Includes QR code.Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN:
9781445653990 (hbk. :)
Dewey class:
646.7209646.72646.7209 STE
Language:
English
BRN:
1061512