The Wasp — 1893 — page 199: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a beauty salon or cosmetics establishment in chaos. Central figures appear to be male tradesmen or workers (labeled "Manicure Artist," "The Wide Hospitable House") confronting or confronting patrons about beauty products visible throughout the scene. The visible product labels mock women's cosmetics of the era: "No Wonder Millinery," "Spewman & Leveusalone Ladies' Underwear," "The Craze," "Force Face Powder," and notably "Creamy Camel Oil" for "complexion" concerns. The cartoon satirizes the cosmetics and beauty industry by portraying it as absurd, chaotic, and operated by unqualified men. The exaggerated labeling suggests the ridiculousness of contemporary beauty product claims and marketing to women. The overall message appears critical of both the beauty industry's dubious practices and women's perceived susceptibility to such marketing.