Old Hollywood Glamour at the drugstore

If you are a lover of vintage and love beautiful packaging (who isn't?) then you must know about this great little find....


It's Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder- the original formula back in time from the 1930s in a similar packaging to the original. Only thing is... now its in a plastic container versus the original cardboard box packaging. There are many dealers selling the original boxes on ebay so if you come across a cardboard one hold on to it! I came across the powder in my local CVS a few months ago for $6 and had to scoop it up! It looks gorgeous just sitting on the dresser but luckily I like what it does- mattes the skin and sets makeup. It comes with a fluffy powder puff and is offered in a range of colors including Translucent (which I will probably get as well), but the color I have is neutral (best if you want a more warm/yellow tone).

Here's what the display looks like.

Parisian Francois Coty started out selling fragrances and powder during and after the years of World War 1 in Europe. Interestingly enough, he became incredibly wealthy during this time- enter the beginning of the lipstick theory! Coty developed his cosmetics offerings to compliment his fragrances...even the lipstick was scented to mimic the fragrance. The beauty and quality of the packaging was of utmost importance to Coty, as evident in the ads below. Many women even re-purposed the empty boxes when they were empty, using them to store sewing notions.

1940s ad featuring shade recommendations for blondes and brunettes.

1940s ad featuring the variety of "fragrance" options available- each in their own specially designed package.

Left to right: L'Origan, L'Almant, Paris, Emeraude.

"TO BE IN FASHION TODAY, FACE POWDER MUST BE FRAGRANT TOO!" 1932 ad explains the seduction of Coty's "haunting fragrances" featured in the powder.  

1935 ad features women dressed in a variety of modes- from sportswear to evening wear, illustrating that Coty is for every gal! 
(This ad is an interesting illustration of the decades new popularity of active outdoor lifestyles simultaneously existing alongside the deco decadent glamour).

What a great way to add a little vintage glam to your makeup bag!

Sources:
Adclassix.com
Elizbeth Z. Coty collection 
Francois Coty: Fragrance, Power, Money (book) 

http://nancyfashionfancy.blogspot.com
http://vintagepowderroom.com