Life — February 19, 1920 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes "Fairfax Ivory Fiberloid" toilet articles—a brand of cosmetic and personal care products made from early celluloid-like material. The illustration depicts a stylized 1920s woman in fashionable dress, holding an open suitcase of Fairfax products. The accompanying text emphasizes that these items make ideal gifts: "The Gift acceptable, intimate and beautiful." The ad lists specific products: brushes, combs, mirrors, powder boxes, perfume bottles, hair receivers, and manicure sets—typical vanity items of the era. The satirical elements typical of *Life* magazine are absent here; this is straightforward product marketing aimed at affluent consumers, with the company's address in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.