Life, 1916-01-20 · page 44 of 44
Life — January 20, 1916 — page 44: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**, but rather a **product advertisement** for Palmolive Shaving products from January 20, 1916. The page markets Palmolive Shaving Stick and Talcum Powder to male consumers by framing grooming as a "manly hobby" alongside pipe-smoking. The ad appeals to traditional masculinity while emphasizing product benefits: the palm and olive oil formulation produces a soft lather suitable for men with sensitive skin, the new aluminum holder is hygienic and convenient, and the accompanying talcum powder provides a finishing touch. The image displays the product lineup—a shaving brush, soap stick in its innovative holder, and talcum powder container—as appealing masculine accessories. The copywriting stresses that quality grooming products deserve careful selection, just as men carefully choose pipes. This represents early 20th-century advertising strategy: selling practical hygiene products by connecting them to masculine identity and lifestyle aspirations.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A MAN'S HOBBIES Two things particularly mannish—two things over which men ever use great care in choosing— are a pipe and a shaving soap. Both are every- day companions—both can jive pleasure if prop- erly selected. But a poor pipe is a source of woe —likewise a poor shaving, stick. MEN ARE APPRECIATIVE Palmolive Shaving, Stick appeals particularly to men with tender faces. The palm and olive oils help to produce a firm lather, soft and soothing, that does not dry on the face. No pull—your razor slides over the toughest spots—the wiriest chin hairs, because the beard is softened properly. The oils produce that wholesome green color and that delightful, soothing after-effect. There's no irritating, smarting, no soapy odor, but a satisfy- ing, faint, oriental perfume. ENTIRELY NEW To properly present Palmolive Shaving Stick we have invented the newest and most convenient holder. It is made of pure non-corrosive alumi- num. A turn of the screw and the soap comes through—as you need it. Your fingers never touch the soap. There's no soggy, unsanitary paper wrappin§—no troublesome tinfoil. The beveled edge guards the hidden soap completely —keeping, it always dry and clean. You can use the last particle of soap—none is wasted. After a Palmolive shave, the natural finishin§ touch is with Palmolive Talcum, Its smooth, soft feeling comes from our use of the finest Italian talc, You will like it. If your dealer has not yet secured his supply of Palmolive Shavin§ Soap or Palm- olive Talzum, write us, Each of them are priced at 25c, and we will be glad to forward them by mail, if you desire one or both. B. J. JOHNSON SOAP COMPANY, Inc., MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN Canadian Factory: 155-157 George Street, Toronto, Ont. comicbooks.com