Life, 1920-09-09 · page 37 of 44
Life — September 9, 1920 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. The left side depicts four common shaving mistakes with X marks through them: 1. Using hot towels (unnecessary) 2. Finger rubbing (ineffective) 3. Applying too-light lather (inadequate) 4. Using lather that dries quickly (inconvenient) The ad claims Palmolive Shaving Cream eliminates these errors through scientific innovation—specifically, its ability to instantly emulsify the oil coating on beard hair, allowing water absorption and softening without hot water or rubbing. The humorous element is visual: simple cartoon illustrations of a man's face with red X marks showing what *not* to do, instructing readers through negative example. The offer of a free trial tube aims to convert skeptics through direct experience. This reflects early 20th-century advertising strategy: demonstrate superiority through both scientific claims and risk-free testing.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
As Hot towels— not needed Finger rubbing — asecond mistake Too light a lather a third mistake Lather that dries— a fourth mistake rial Tube Free To End Mistakes in Shaving Science has been turned to shaving. And a new method of softening the beard has been perfected. This method is embodied in Palm- olive Shaving Cream. It eliminates hot towels and finger rubbing. It makes shaving easier than you have ever known it. And quicker. And more delightful. We wish men to know this from their own experience. Hence we offer free, a trial tube of Palmolive Cream to every man who requests it. The oil coat on the beard Every hair of the beard has an oil coat. The ordinary lather fails to act effectively on this oil. Thus it is hard for the water to penetrate the beard and soften it. Hence men use hot ap- plications and rub with the fingers. It is different with Palmolive. The lather instantly emulsifies the oil. Then the beard—a horny substance— quickly absorbs water. It absorbs 15 per cent of water within one minute after lathering, as proved by labora- tory tests. And that makes a wiry beard wax-like. Stays foamy 10 minutes Palmolive makes a richer, creamier lather than you have ever known. And it stays moist and foamy on the face 10 minutes. You don’t have to relather. A mere bit is ample for a shave. For Palmolive multiplies itself in lather 250 times. There's enough for 152 shaves in the regular size. <A cream so active, you know, is some- thing new. Palmolive is also a lotion. It con- tains palm and olive oils. Thus it soothes and refreshes the skin, and gives a delightful “after feel.” Try it free Put Palmolive to the test. Satisfy yourself as to its amazing qualities. This you can do at our expense. We will send you a trial tube absolutely free. Take advantage of this offer today Clip the coupon now, before you for- get. You will know shaving < thing after you have tried Palmolive Tue Patmouive Company, Dept. 126, Milwaukee, U.S. A Please send me a free Trial Tube of Palmolive Shaving Cream Large size tube at druggists, 35c THE PALMOLIVE COMPANY, Milwaukee, U. S. A. comicbooks.com