If You Are a Brunette . . . What about your skin?

If you are a Brunette by Ruth Murrin (from June 1938 Good Housekeeping)

The trouble with being a brunette is that there are so many of them. The competition is formidable. This situation daunts Miss Lazy Bones and Mrs Timid Soul, who think, "What's the use?" and let themselves go. But to any girl with an ounce of enterprise, it's a challenge. Perhaps that is why so many dark-haired girls with no looks to speak of grow up to be chic, distinguished-looking women.

These successful brunettes know that their effectiveness depends largely on contrast - dark hair framing a clear skin. They know, too, that among their liabilities is a tendency to murky complexion. In the teens and early twenties they are subject to oiliness and blackheads and blemishes that may accompany it, and as they grow older and their skins become dryer, they complain of the "dirty beige" color their faces take on instead of the bright, fresh aspect they need to set off dark hair.

At the oily age brunettes who are intelligent about their cosmetics use soap and water plentifully. They keep on hand liquid cleansers and tingly skin tonics. They use masks for cleaning and freshening. A starch mask, which is simple and inexpensive, interests them especially just now. When choosing face powder, they demand sticking power and suede finish; and because "Clean up before make-up" is a law for oily skins, they carry cleansing pads in their purses.

It is a canny brunette who knows when her skin has stopped making too much oil and actually has too little. Then her routine changes to include cream cleansing and cream at bedtime, for if she lets her skin get dry and scaly, it will soon look coarse, dark, and neglected. She stocks and uses preparations that protect her face from wind and sun, and likes a light, fine powder.

I am not quite sure why Ruth is so harsh on Brunettes! I know not just brunettes have oily skin issues. And I think I might be Mrs Timid Soul ;)

Starch mask – this mask helps to make enlarged pores less evident and restore healthy glow to the cheeks.

Ingredients are:. 1 tablespoon corn starch and warm water

Massage your face gently with a little olive oil, then apply starch mask on the face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water.

(from http://www.indianwildlifeclub.com/mainsite/beauty.asp)

Next up - Brunette hair care