Makeup Compact
some
women feel naked without make-up and a compact forms an essential
part of their lives even if they're unaware of it.
For
others, it is a romantic accessorye but most women have owned one at
some time in their life and even some men collect them.
The
ready pressed powder available at cosmetic counters is stored in a
compact, usually disposable, but some are designed to be
collected,such as Estee Lauder's
Christmas compacts which can still be found in the shops, often
reduced at this time of year, and are worth buying for future
investment.
As for
the term itself, they are called compacts because of the compacted
powder which they contained, and the word was first used in
connection with a powder case in 1921.
At the
time, make-up was starting to be used more by all types of women, not
just actresses and prostitutes. In fact, in the late 18th century, a
law was almost introduced in which women could be convicted of
witchcraft for wearing make-up as it was believed to be a form of
seductive sorcery.
Fortunately,
it was never enacted but does show the suspicion with which cosmetics
were viewed.
From the
1920s-60s, when make-up was more socially acceptable than earlier
times, there were few presents that 'decent' women could collect from
their beaux.
Makeup Compact |
A compact
was not seen as a declaration on either side, unlike a ring and, as
such, was very popular. Unlike flowers or chocolates, it would last
and was practical, enabling the user not only to check her make-up in
public but prove that she had cherished her present.
For some
women, this required a good memory as they had to remember which
boyfriend had given them which compact, whilst others retained one
man and a succession of more expensive compacts. What you are buying,
in effect, is their romance, not just an accessory.
These
accessories are usually thought of as being in tablet form; flat with
some type of transfer decoration and containing powder and a net-type
powder applicator.
These are
the simplest of compacts but still have a following and most
collectors start by buying them for around £12 or less at fairs,
centres, car boot sales or in job lots at auction.
For many
collectors, the novelty makeup compact are the most desirable and can be
found shaped as pianos, records, hands and flying saucers.
They
could also contain combs, cigarettes, lipstick, purses and even be
musical.
The two
most famous names are Kigu (Hungarian and British) and Stratton
(British). Some collectors will adopt specific ranges by one of these
makes such as the ballerina series by Stratton. This can be a good
way to restrict your collection if space is limited.
One
of the most innovative brands was Pygmalion. Whilst they did not
actually manufacture the compacts themselves, the firm is renowned
for their imaginative designs such as
Sonata.
This
miniature piano closes up for use in handbags and folds out to form a
miniature grand piano, complete with pull-down legs and an open lid.
The
mirror on the lid is often missing so check before buying. It also
comes in a musical form which is the most desirable version.
Pygmalion's
Globe
is very similar to a Henrietta compact, suggesting that they were
made by the same company.
The
patriotic compact is very appealing to men as well as women.
The
simplest versions can be found in tablet form with raised aeroplanes
and a parachute in the red, white and blue colouring of the Allied
Forces.
Coty's
Flying Colours
is one of the most popular of this ilk with its subtle use of the
tricolours and eagle-wing moulding representing America.
One of
Coty's most appealing compacts can still be found in its original box
for the simple reason that it was too noisy to be practical.
Jingle
Bells has
six working bells in its design so would not have made for easy use,
which is a vital concern for compact users. Some collectors do use
their makeup compact, but avoid the original powder as it would not be
hygienic.
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