A Smooth Complexion

Every woman, maiden or married, wants to have a smooth complexion. And the only way she can obtain what she wants is to perform a simple morning and evening routine, in such a way that it afterward becomes a deep-rooted habit.

A smooth complexion requires fine pores. And these pores can be had with soap and water. Yes, Madam, with soap and water... This does not mean that you need nothing besides them; cream, and the powders that follow it, with which the pharmacies and beauty shops abound, are necessary too. But I advise you to wash your hands and face before you retire to your bed, thereby removing whatever "cream" and rouge clings to them. And do not apply any kind of cream afterward: how much lovelier, and how much cleaner for your clothes and your bedding, that your face be free of those "troublesome" greases...

In the morning, wash your face again with cold water; then, once it has dried, smooth it with cream and dust on whatever "powder" suits the color of your complexion. This is very necessary, and you would do well to master it thoroughly, for a woman very often wrongs the beauty of her face through not knowing how to use the shade of "powder" whose tones suit the color of her skin.

Then comes the turn of the rouge — and what an important turn it is... If you, Madam, are one of those who do not fling advice to the winds, then use only such shades of "lipstick" as are natural: pink or light red if your skin is fair, and deep red if your skin is ruddy. And beware of laying on too much of this paint, for heavily painted lips have become, in these days, an old and unbecoming fashion. When you pass the stick of lipstick over your lips, follow their natural lines first, then fill in the space with red. And as soon as you have finished, press your lips upon a thin sheet of paper, to take off whatever superfluous color may have clung to them, for which they have no need.

Finally, do not forget to brush your eyelids and eyebrows. But with what? With a drop of "Vaseline" on a clean brush kept for the purpose... This removes whatever powder dust has settled on your lids and brows, and gives them evenness and sheen.

There remains, Madam, one more thing on the road to your obtaining a smooth complexion: to pay attention to your food. Avoid fried dishes as far as possible, and take freely of fruits and vegetables. And if your luck is bad and you are visited by the pimples that usually sprout on the nose and chin, you must treat them gently: place upon them, before sleep, a piece of cotton dipped in hot water, and be patient with it until it cools; then remove it, and try to open the pimples with your clean, disinfected fingertips. And beware of using force, or of losing patience and bursting them all at once. If you do that, your skin will be inflamed and will take on blotches that nothing but the passing of days can remove...

Your complexion, Madam, matters to your elegance and your beauty beyond all measure... So care for it, and consult your doctor whenever anything arises in your health that stirs your mind and gives you worry.