Overview
As the twentieth century began, changing styles led women in America to seek out new ways to beautify themselves. They began using hair products, moisturizing creams, and make-up-practices that had previously been rare or looked down on.Synopsis
As the twentieth century began, changing styles led women in America to seek out new ways to beautify themselves. They began using hair products, moisturizing creams, and make-up-practices that had previously been rare or looked down on.
Children's Literature
When young girls begin applying beauty products, it may never cross their minds that they have some very powerful and motivated women to thank for their ability to do so. Matilda Harper, Annie Turnbo Malone, Madam C. J. Walker, Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubenstein, and Estee Lauder each receive equal real estate in this "Business Series" title, prefaced by a chapter on the changing face of the beauty industry. Readers may recognize a few of the names from product lines that still exist, while others have changed hands or have gone under. Each woman's background is explored, as are the challenges she faced and the innovations for which she is responsible. The beauty moguls' personal relationships are not off-limits either. Divorce is a theme common to all but one of these ladies. A high point of Lang's work is her exploration of rivalries between Malone and Walker and Arden and Lauder. Still, her narrative is stilted, and some of her facts are relayed in a halting manner, as if pulled directly from census records or business registers. Thankfully, the captivating leaders propel the reader forward. Best for collections with a surplus in their YA nonfiction budget. Reviewer: Kristy Lyn Sutorius