Life, 1918-10-17 · page 31 of 38
Life — October 17, 1918 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **product advertisement, not satire or political commentary**—a full-page ad for Resinol Soap from Life magazine (page 571). The image shows two women in an elegantly furnished bedroom: one seated at a vanity, the other standing behind her, apparently applying soap or cosmetics. The art deco styling and intimate domestic scene were typical advertising aesthetics of the early 20th century, emphasizing luxury and personal care. The ad's pitch centers on soap as a medical-grade product ("compounded as carefully as any medicine"), claiming it clears pores and improves complexion without harsh chemicals. It promises users can be "proud of your complexion"—tapping into vanity and social status concerns of the era. The mention of "Resinol Shaving Stick" at bottom indicates the brand marketed to both men and women, unusual for cosmetics advertising at the time.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Od) makes yyou proud of your complexion No amount of cosmetics can excel the regular use of the proper kind of soap in keeping the complexion clear, fresh, and delicately radiant. Resinol Soap is the proper kind. Made from the purest ingredients, containing no harsh alkali, and compounded as carefully as any medicine which goes into the body, it may be used without hesita- tion to clear the pores, remove excess oils, and to cool and clarify an angry skin. Sold by all druggists and the best dealers in toilet goods. Discriminating men say Resinol Shaving Stick soothes and refreshes the face. comicbooks.com