Life — December 8, 1921 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Colgate's Christmas Advertisement (1921) This page is primarily a **commercial advertisement** for Colgate toiletries, not political satire. The centerpiece displays handwritten letters—apparently personal testimonials from satisfied customers praising Colgate products for Christmas gifts. The letters appear authentic or designed to look so, featuring recipients' praise for items like Cashmere Bouquet Soap, shaving sticks, and face powder. The ad's tagline "It's always safe to select Colgate's" emphasizes reliability as gift choices. The only satirical element is a small notation about the "Handy Grip" Shaving Stick, which jokes that users will become so attached they'll refuse to stop wearing it—mild humor typical of 1920s advertising copy. This reflects the era's marketing strategy: using personal endorsements and humor to promote gift-giving.