Whenever women fail for congenial topics of dispute they can always
fall back on the old topic of the best face-powder.
"I have used that delightful velvety 'Blush Rose' for years and years,"
says Mrs. Lovely, "and I think it is simply fine."
"Blush Rose?" shrieks Mrs. Pretty. "Why, I wouldn't use that for
a-an-any-thing! My husband's brother-in-law, who worked in a drug
store, once told me that 'Blush Rose' had lead and bismuth and ever so
many other dreadful, awful things in it. Now, I dote on 'Velvety
Carnation.' I know that that is perfectly pure. And it sticks just like
your husband's relatives--simply never lets go!"
"'Velvety Carnation!'" repeats Mrs. Lovely. "You poor child. I don't
wonder that you have such a time with your skin--" And so on until both
charming disputants march airily away, each deciding that the other
will soon be in her grave if such foolishness in the choice of a face
powder is continued.
Women need not discuss finances or peace policies. They have their own
little face-powder question that is good for all time to come, no
matter whether we all go and settle in the Philippines or hand these
interesting islands back to Spain with a "much-obliged, thank you." I
have often thought how thankful we should all be that we are not
Dahomey ladies, who have no opportunities for these pleasant little
arguments. We may have to put up with a good many discomforts in our
life of civilization, but we don't miss quite everything in the way of
joys.
The formula for face powder which I am about to give is not only
perfectly harmless, but of exceptional medicinal qualities. Nothing is
better for an irritated skin than boracic acid, so the girl with facial
eruptions can feel perfectly safe in using this powder. Oxide of zinc,
in the quantity given, can do no possible injury; many of the
manufactured preparations being made almost entirely of this ingredient.
Poudre des Fees (Fairy Powder):
1 ounce Lubin's rice powder.
3 ounces best, purest oxide of zinc.
1/2 ounce carbonate of magnesia, finely powdered.
20 grains boracic acid.
2 drops attar of rose.
When purchasing your ingredients ask the druggist to powder each
separately in a mortar. First put your rice powder through a fine
sieve, and then through bolting cloth. Do the same thing with the
oxide of zinc, the magnesia and the boracic acid before adding them
to the rice powder. When all are combined put twice through bolting
cloth. After each sifting throw away any tiny particles that
remain. It is very necessary that all the ingredients be made fine
and soft and fluffy. Add the oil of rose last. By putting in the
tiniest suggestion of finely powdered carmine you can get the cream
powder, and by putting in still more you will have the rose or pink
tint. While blonds, with clear, perfect skins, can use either the
white or the pink very nicely, cream is the more acceptable color
for brunettes.
Consuelo Powder:
5 ounces of talcum.
5 ounces of rice flour.
2-1/2 ounces of the best zinc oxide.
2 drops each of oils of bergamot, ylang-ylang and neroli.
The three main ingredients should be sifted over and over again,
and if flesh color is desired, a little carmine must be added, the
sifting continuing. Then add the perfumes and sift again, so as to
avoid any lumps.
A formula for violet powder is given in the chapter on perfumes.