1920s makeup ads

Today we have a special guest post by vintage makeup expert Gabriela Hernandez, Founder of Besame Cosmetics. I asked her to give us a simple guide to creating 1930s makeup for both day and evening looks. This is not a sponsored article, although I may receive a small commission if you purchase Besame makeup through

These 1920's lovelies have been lingering on my hard drive for a few months now. It's high time I release them from that limbo! Wish I knew the illustrators' names ... if you do, please leave a note in the comments. Enjoy.

Mascara Advertisement

A blog that expands The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty Behind It with vintage Maybelline Ads, family photos and stories.

1920s Maybelline ad - I had no idea that the flappers had mascara!! Those that know me know I don't want to be caught dead without mascara - what a relief to know if I had been born during the flapper era, I could still have had my eye makeup!

1920 Rigaud rouge advertisement in Lie de Vin (dark), Vermillion Poppy, Egyptian Poppy, Persian Blush, Rosebud, Indian Blush, Vermeil, Lie de Vin (medium), light Rouge, Intense Brunette and Deep Brunette shades. The line was named after the opera singer Mary Garden.

Why did Tom Lyle choose Phyllis Haver as a Maybelline Model? Phyllis Haver was one of the magic names during the Silent Film era and an original Mack Sennett bathing beauty. The Sennett Bathing Beauties were pin-up girls for the doughboys during the First World War...... Phyllis Haver, starred in a series of top films and was known as the Nation's blond-darling during the teens and twenties of the twentieth century. "Her hair is a curly mass of golden corn silk. Her eyes are cerulean blue…

Ross Company "Winx" Liquid Mascara Ad, ca. 1925