Illustrated with over eleven pictures of the most popular American beauty aids used throughout the Forties, this is an interesting look at how the Second World War effected the U.S. cosmetic industry and how that same industry benefited the American war effort. Students of history will be reminded that when a nation commits itself to a state of total war, all available elements within a government’s grasp will be picked over by that country’s military – even makeup.
“If you’re following a routine of ‘beauty as usual’ with qualms of conscience, believing that cosmetics and toiletries use materials essential to the war machine, know for certain that if Uncle Sam needed your lipstick for bombs and bullets, he’d have gotten it first.”
The Second World War, hair dye was not simply used by women; click here to read about the men who needed it.
Click here to read an article about a popular 1940s hairstyle.
