Life, 1926-03-18 · page 37 of 44
Life — March 18, 1926 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **advertising, not political satire**. It features three commercial advertisements from the 1920s-30s era: 1. **Mennen Shaving Cream** (left): A salesman's testimonial about developing a superior lather brush to accompany the product, offering 100,000 brushes at $1.25—framed as an affordable luxury item. 2. **Pepsodent Toothpaste** (right): Claims teeth appear "off color" due to a dingy film that brushing alone won't remove. Offers a free 10-day trial, promoting a new "film-removing" dentifrice formula. 3. **Cartoon illustration** (center): Depicts parachutists, likely illustrating an unrelated article ("If not equipped with balloon tires, be sure to have a parachute top"). The ads reflect early 20th-century consumer marketing targeting middle-class men concerned with grooming and health. No political commentary or satire is evident—this is straightforward product promotion typical of Life magazine's advertising revenue model.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Good! ; or what Thad an old lather brush. It was worn and weary. Its bristles were down to less than an inch. It was an antique, and had that kind of odor. But I could work it. That’s because I use the prod- uct I sell—Mennen Shaving Cream. A new brush seemed indicated. I bought one. I bought some more, Home-make and import. From $2.50 up—way up. My ambi- tion was not to make a collection, but I suc- ceeded, yes sir, as if with grim determination. None of ’em would do. Then we developed the Mennen Lather nt It’s the real thing. Soft and k the skin. Works up the lather yucky hly and plenty. I never knew there was so much lather in the world, Spreads smoothly over the cheek area and snuggles into the corners, too. Easily the equal of any $4-priced brush—if not better. I buried the old brush, with tears in my eyes, and buried it deep. We first put the new brush in our Mennen for Men Gift Box last Christmas. It went like hot coffee in camp. So I got Mr. Mennen to Jet me sell 100,000 at the special price of $1.25. They'll sell ke Mennen Shaving Cream. Send me a section of a Mennen Shaving Cream carton showing the trade-mark and $1.2Sand In 2 yours, Yourmoney back youy if you don’t think. it’s a bargain. The 100,000 XN won't last long in our factory, but they'll | last a whale of a while in 100,000 bathrooms. | You've been using Mennen Shaving Cream a: Mennen Talcum for Men ever since they captu the preference of millions. You'd rather lose a raise in salary than switch, But have you tried Mennen Skin Balm—after shaving? Gives a tingle, then cooling comfort— ptic. Comes in tubes he skin look and feel 100%. | bom (Mf ennes Saleomen) four bits if you are not happy. THE MENNEN COMPANY, Newark, NJ., USA. MENNESN - SHAVING CREAM : Their ay them home New three me expe ir y sheri For t ppear in the reached the Paw almost GLAL TWENTY- Not SURE And the ten-twe before the mes 35 th [FREE 10- 0-Day Tube | Send the - fed to coupon ix. He y way m it matte amusement were c iffs ¢ hem only They might have brought hin Don’t Believe your teeth are naturally “off color” she You can give them dazzling whiteness and read in a few days simply by removing the oe as, WIR dingy film that clouds them and ) TO COMI imperils health, ums FIVE FOR FARE, LOVI i me 101 farmhouse ran ELIEVING your teeth are natur It's film that hides pretty teeth and imperils gums Dental science n trace res of t Mere brushing won't do F REE “Papsadént 1 : ' : 1 My ’ ‘ Tul The! New: peace Quality Dentifrice § 1" 1 \ THE PEPSODENT COMPANY ! 1 Dept. 281. 1108S W A } 1 Chicago, U.S.A 1 i i) \ 1 1 Ne H ’ FQUIPPED WITH BALLOON TIRES, { TO HAVE A PARACHUTE Tor. |4 comicbooks.com