Life, 1911-03-16 · page 29 of 44
Life — March 16, 1911 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement**, not political satire. The page uses a fairy-tale conceit to sell beauty cream. The illustration shows a woman in profile rejecting two grotesque dragons—representing the "Robber Beast" of neglect that threatens a woman's appearance. The copy plays on the contrast between visible monsters in storybooks and an invisible threat to modern beauty: poor skincare. The ad promotes Pompeian Massage Cream's "dry massage" technique as a quick, natural-looking alternative to powder and rouge. The pitch emphasizes that sensible women use this method to achieve a fresh, clean complexion without artificial cosmetics—a selling point when heavy makeup signaled poor taste or lower-class status to early 20th-century readers. The coupon offers a trial jar plus an art picture for 10 cents, a common marketing tactic of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Alas! Beauty Sees No Beast! The Beast of the Story Book was visible and startling. But modern Beauty is too often unaware of one sly old Dragon ever ready to filch her good-looks. Beware of that Robber Beast—Neglect ! A Quick “Dry” Massage. A new beauty hint for preventing a dull, lifeless or sallow skin, or for over- coming the effects of neglect. Thousands of sensible women always look their best through the following simple treatment with POMPEIAN ‘ess Just before appearing in public—instead of using powder or rouge, which deceives nobody but the user—these Pompeian users give themselves a quick, simple “ dry" massage with Pompeian. It works wonders, and in this way— Ordinarily Pompeian is applied to the moistened face. But follow this method when seconds count: Apply a pinch of Pom- peian to each unmoistened cheek. Massage vigorously. In a few seconds out of the pores comes the cream and off the face it rolls, darkened and dirt laden. Result? A “deliciously clean” wholesome look ; all “shine” temoved’ and with no deathly powder “ pallor” or artificial rouge Trial Jar and Art Picture, both sent for 10c. (stamps or coin), for postage and packing. For years you have heard of Pompeian's merits and benefits. To get you to act now we will send a “Pom- peian Beauty” Art Picture in exquisite colors, with each trial Jar. Thisis a rare offer. The “Pompeian Beauty’ which we will send is very expensive and immensely popular. Clip coupon now. appearance remaining, since nothing is left on the face except a clear fresh, natural color caused by the invigorating Pompeian massage ; blackheads begin to go because the pores are now “ Pompeian clean; also no sticky, or greasy or shiny effect, as caused by so many face creams. Moreover, the tired lines disappear. Your fresh, natural color has subdued them. You look years younger. Beware of the Robber Beast—Neglect. “Don't envy a good complexion; use Pompeian and have one.” At all dealers, or you may try before you buy. Use coupon, please. Cut along this line, fll in and mail today. POSOSeSoSoSoSeSeSesSoHoeHoHosoHogoeHogD e The Pompeian Mfg. Co., 25 Prospect St., Cleveland, Ohio Gentlemen: Enclosed find 10c. (stamps or coin, for postage and packing). for which please send me a trial jar of Pompeian and a “ Pompeian Beauty" Art Picture. All Dealers SOc, 75¢ and $1 SeSedodesodgosogoges