100 Years of Make-up, Part 6: 1950s

1950s

An explosion of color – in everything from films and furniture to clothes and make-up – epitomizes post-war optimism. There is a renewed emphasis on the family. A shortage of men encourages women to try to look as beautiful as possible in the hope of 'catching' a husband.

As women return to domestic duties, technological advances result in a whole host of new labor-saving devices for the home, giving them more time to pamper themselves.

A boom in the luxury beauty industry – led by Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein – ensues. Avon calls for the first time, and the door-to-door cosmetics rep remains the bored housewives' best friend for the next 20 years.