One of my new little vintage treasures is a pocket size book called “Simple Beauty Hints” by Gloria Goddard, published in 1926. This little book is full of hints and tips for women from what colors to wear, what makeup to buy (or avoid), how to walk with poise, and how to lose those extra pesky 5 pounds. While some of it is useful, most of it is just plain hilarious!
Mary Eaton, 1920
“There are no ugly women. There are only women who do not know how to look pretty. “
“Had he seen the American flapper of two years ago with her wildly bobbed hair and permanently frantic hair, resembling nothing more than an inverted floor mop; or the flapper of today, whose shaven pate calls to mind the best specimens of the bald eagle, and whose face is an excellent advertisement for Valspar, that paint that won’t come off, and which is immune alike to boiling water and the elements, it is probable that he would have amended his statement.”
“Every girl baby flows into the world endowed with embryonic beauty.”
“Unless it is the Woolworth Building you are about to negotiate it is better to walk upstairs than to use the elevator.”
“Don’t eat many sweets. A pound of candy should last twenty-four hours at least.”
“Don’t stand with the shoulder forward or the abdomen thrust out.”
Josephine Dunn 1920s in a white dress with parasol
“Don’t be afraid to yawn or stretch when alone. If you do it when your boy-friend is present he may misunderstand and regard it as a signal for departure, instead of a mere exercise.”
“Don’t let the chin bury itself in the neck. Keep it high.'”
“Don’t brush or comb the hair roughly. Remember when you are brushing your hair you are not mopping the floor.”
“Don’t be discontented. Discontentment engraves ugly lines on the face. “
Marian Nixon, Actress
“Don’t use every new cosmetic you see advertised or hear recommended. Let other girls have a chance to ruin their skin.”
“Don’t wriggle the feet or fingers. Find other less hideous outlets for your nervous energy.”
“And don’t try to rival the billboard or a color chart when you are making up to go out, you may achieve beauty, or at least that synthetic substitute that has passed for it for so long that it has become a near criterion.”
If you are not already a fan of our Facebook page, be sure to “Like” us for more beauty tips and beautiful vintage pictures. Also for real 1920s beauty advice (that is more helpful than funny) read 1920s Makeup and Beauty History and the Authentic 1920s Makeup Tutorial.
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
