womenofwar-ab

American Women of War

During the war, most men were off fighting for their country. Meaning, many women had to take jobs in factories. Despite the conditions in factories, women wanted to maintain an overall beautiful appearance.

Make up was toned down during the war, women relied on "natural beauty." A matte, natural base, muted browns and greys for eye shadow, long lashes, and a patriotic red lipstick.

Petroleum jelly was a staple in the working woman's life. They used it to keep their hands soft, darken their eyebrows, and even mixed it with charcoal dust for mascara.

Women had to be able to keep their hair out of the way at work, but still look elegant at night. Often times they'd wear their hair in pin curls or rag curls, hiding them under hair scarves during the day and letting them loose at night.

Women also often put their beauty before their hunger in the times of rations. Women used water, sugar, and lemon juice as a facial scrub. And used gravy browning on their legs to give the appearance of nylons (which they couldn't afford).