Life — September 3, 1925 — page 27: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a **perfume advertisement**, not a political cartoon. It promotes Coty's "Styx" fragrance line to women. **The ad's appeal:** References to classical mythology ("Styx," the river in Greek underworld) combined with pseudo-mystical language ("magnetic, mystic—of infinite depths") to market perfume as exotic and sophisticated. The tagline "for the Exotic type of Women" targets women seeking glamorous, mysterious personas. **Visual elements:** A decorative bottle with ornate stopper and matching powder compact with fan motifs convey luxury and art-deco styling. **Historical context:** Early 20th-century perfume marketing often used classical allusions and appeals to feminine mystique to justify premium pricing. The full product line (essence, powder, lotion) suggests comprehensive beauty routines were becoming standardized consumer expectations. The "Art of Perfuming" booklet offer indicates manufacturers positioned fragrance as refined self-expression rather than mere hygiene.