This book is by The Johns Hopkins University Press, a press which welcomes editions on beauty and fashion. Morag Martin is an associate professor of history at the College at Brockport, State University of New York.
I really enjoyed this book, which I am now reading for the second time, and used it for my courses at University!
Morag Martin first provides a short history of makeup, and then goes on to examine the production and consumption of cosmetics during the period under investigation, that is French society between 1750-1830. Historical research is thorough: Martin examines a huge number of advertisements, beauty manuals, pamphlets, diaries and all sorts of written material.
Most importantly, the book outlines how the language concerning cosmetics was used to control women. That is, "natural beauties" were considered to be good women, while "coquettes" were viewed negatively. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the famous misogynist, would label any woman who dared to reject him as a "coquette" in order to destroy her!
Also, the medical profession tried to control the production and consumption of cosmetics. Medical doctors back then were considered cosmetics experts and even published recipes for cosmetics.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of cosmetics and makeup, the history of advertisements, gender studies, and, of course, anyone who wants to read about French society in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Have a good night, always with beauty and a book! xxx
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