Helen Temple’s Beauty Column 1938

Answers to women’s beauty questions from the late 1930s.
First published in Woman – May21st 1938.

Freckling:

I have a large freckle on the tip of my nose, which isn’t at all beautifying – is there any way of making it disappear? Also – is walking a good way to slim?

You could paint the freckle with a special bleaching lotion, but don’t expect a miracle overnight. yes, walking is a splendid slimming aid as long as you don’t overdo it. Other measures are of course necessary.

Faded beauty

This isn’t exactly a beauty problem but i would be glad of your advice. I am a brunette with a little natural coloring and I am anxious to buy a hat to wear with a jade-green silk two-piece. The hat I bought to match last year has faded, although otherwise is in excellent condition, and it suits me, and I can’t find another like it anywhere.

Exactly the same thing happened to me with a favorite petunia hat and luckily I discovered a wonderful, special waterproof hat dye which is very simple to use. Almost any color is obtainable complete with brush for 10d. Whether your hat’s glossy straw or dull, the dye dries at once. i was delighted with my my hat and now it looks as good as new!

Shapewear

I will be 18 years old at the end of June and am throwing a party in the local town hall. But I have put on a little tummy weight in the past year which despite much effort I cannot lose. Though my bust has grown too, I am worried I shall not fit a lovely silk dress I have purchased for the event. Please can you advise?

Every girl at your age has this problem. First I would advise a good stiff walk every day for a mile – in low heeled shoes. This
will certainly tone your tummy without losing breast size. Also ask your mother to have a corsetiere call to your home and fit you with one of the latest girdles.There is nothing wrong with wearing one at your age – in fact just a few years ago, the new long line girdles with attached suspenders were all the rage and are lovely to wear when compared to the awful corsets of the past.

Wrinkles.

Please suggest a paste or cream to nourish a wrinkled skin and get rid of terribly noticeable bags under the eyes. These look perfectly dreadful and spoil my whole appearance. i am not very old – only thirty – so it can’t be anything to do with age.

Your first problem is easy, and I have sent you the name of a special skin food, but it won’t banish the puffiness beneath your eyes. This may have a lot to do with your health and lifestyle and your doctor is the best one to consult.

Thick ankles.

Except for my ankles I am fairly slim. Please can you suggest some way of improving them.

Special exercises help. Try this:
Sit on the floor with the feet apart, and the toes pointing forward. With the heels resting on the floor, slowly point the feet upwards, outwards,
inwards and upwards again. Repeat at first slowly, then move quickly and alternately reversing the movements. then massage in some coffee jelly, stroking firmly at least ten times. Do this morning and evening regularly. It will work and soon you will have dainty ankles to show off in your latest 1930s shoe styles  !

Flat chested.

I am twenty and rather flat-chested. Do you think smoking a lot has anything to do with it?

It is very improbable that smoking excessively would arrest your normal breast development. I suggest you practice deep breathing night and morning before an open window. Try also sponging your breasts with hot – then cold water and finish up with a good cream massage. Carry out to the letter my instructions which I have posted to you.

Hair under my arms.

Can you suggest a good depilatory for under arms. I have only tried one make and this made my skin turn green! There must be something satisfactory to use as I notice other girls manage to look so smooth and silky white.

I will send you details of an excellent depilatory [ which won't turn green dear ] on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope. The one I have in mind is pleasant to use and leaves the skin looking smooth and white.

Helens Tips for the day.
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After bathing, do please give yourself a good hard rub down to stimulate your circulation and I know of a refreshing talc you’ll all love to use!

Give yourself and your eyes a rest once in a while by lying down for half an hour with pads of cotton wool soaked firstly in witch hazel and pressed over your eyes for 15 minutes, then followed by fresh cotton wool soaked in cold tea for another 15 minutes.