Makeup Compact

Makeup Compact

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.

Makeup Compact

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

The rules of decency were very strict; chocolates, flowers or compacts were allowed but jewellery was believed to make too strong a declaration until an 'understanding' was reached.

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.

Makeup Compact

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.

Makeup Compact

What's in a name?

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.

Makeup Compact

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.

Red, white and blue

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.

Makeup Compact

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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