Face by Stace

Ancient Egypt: Honey Masks

In Ancient Egypt, honey was one of the most prized beauty ingredients — a natural, multifunctional substance used in daily skincare, healing rituals, and cosmetic preparation. Its importance went far beyond sweetness. Honey was considered a sacred material linked to health, purity, and youth, making it a cornerstone of Egyptian beauty science.

Egyptians understood honey’s ability to soften, soothe and protect the skin in a harsh desert climate. Its natural humectant properties helped draw moisture into the skin, while its antibacterial qualities made it ideal for calming irritation and supporting wound healing. Mixed with ingredients like milk, aloe, crushed herbs, or clay, honey masks became early formulations designed to hydrate, brighten and refine the complexion.

Elite women — including those in royal households — used honey masks to maintain smooth, luminous skin. Papyrus texts and archaeological evidence show recipes combining honey with oils, resins and botanicals to create treatments for dryness, fine lines, and sun exposure. Honey was also used to prepare the skin before applying kohl or scented oils, forming part of a broader ritual of beauty and protection.

These early masks reveal how advanced Egyptian skincare truly was. Their approach blended observation, natural chemistry, and spiritual meaning, creating treatments that feel surprisingly modern. Today, honey remains a staple in contemporary skincare for the same reasons the Egyptians valued it: hydration, healing and a natural glow.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

The History of Lip Gloss

Lip gloss has always carried a certain youthful glamour — a shine that signals freshness, ease, and modernity. Its story begins in 1930, when Max Factor introduced the first commercial gloss for Hollywood actresses. Lip gloss in 1930 was actually referred to as “Lip Pomade.” Lip Pomade was strictly used behind closed doors on Hollywood soundstages to help actresses’ lips catch the light in black-and-white film. Because it wasn’t yet for sale to the public, no consumer print advertisements were created for it in 1930.

Max Factor Lip Pomade (Lip Gloss) circa 1930 (The World’s Very First Lip Gloss)/Photo is from maxfactor.com

In 1932, Max Factor finally released the product to the consumer market under the scandalous name “X-Rated”.

By the 1950s, gloss had moved from film sets to vanities across North America. Teen culture exploded and lip gloss became the unofficial symbol of youthful femininity. Clear and pink shades dominated, often paired with powder compacts and pastel eyeshadow — the era’s signature look.

The 1970s brought disco, and gloss transformed again. High‑shine, vinyl finishes matched the decade’s metallic fashion and dance‑floor glamour. Brands released bolder shades and gloss became a statement rather than an accessory.

In the 1990s, gloss reached peak cultural influence. Sheer browns, frosted nudes and sticky formulas defined the supermodel era. It was the decade of pocket‑sized tubes, mall beauty counters and iconic runway beauty.

Today’s glosses are a different world entirely: hydrating, non‑sticky and infused with skincare ingredients. Lip oils, hybrid balms and reflective glosses speak to a modern desire for comfort and polish.

Lip gloss has evolved with every generation — but its purpose remains the same: effortless shine that feels instantly alive.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

The Evolution of Chanel Beauty

Chanel’s beauty history is a study in how a luxury house transforms its aesthetic codes into a global language. From the 1920s to today, Chanel has treated beauty not as an accessory to fashion, but as an extension of identity — distilled, modern, and French.

The story begins in 1921 with Chanel N°5, a radical aldehydic composition that broke with the era’s floral conventions. Its minimalist bottle and abstract scent profile established the House’s belief that beauty should feel both luxurious and forward‑looking. By 1924, Chanel formalized its cosmetics division, launching powders and lipsticks that mirrored Coco Chanel’s fashion philosophy: simplicity, clarity, and elegance.

This patent illustration shows the Chanel Lipstick Case design patented by Chanel, Inc. in 1952, featuring a wooden case with a hinged cover and a removable lipstick. The design was created by Pierre Suinat and is now a sought-after piece of vintage beauty and fashion memorabilia.

The late 1920s introduced Chanel’s first skincare line, positioning beauty as part of a woman’s daily ritual rather than an occasional indulgence. Through the mid‑century, the House expanded into refined fragrances and essential cosmetics, maintaining a restrained aesthetic that set it apart from more ornate competitors.

Karl Lagerfeld’s arrival in the 1980s ushered in a new era. He modernized Chanel’s visual language, bringing sharper packaging, bolder colour stories and a renewed focus on iconic products like Rouge Coco and Les Beiges. Beauty became a cultural symbol — aspirational yet accessible.

Today, under Virginie Viard and the Chanel Beauty laboratories, the brand continues to merge heritage with innovation. Skincare is science‑driven, makeup is architectural, and fragrance remains the House’s soul. Chanel Beauty endures because it evolves without ever abandoning its core: timelessness shaped by modernity.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Egypt: The Birthplace of Cosmetic Science

Ancient Egypt is widely regarded as the birthplace of cosmetic science — a civilization where beauty, medicine, ritual and chemistry merged into one sophisticated system. Their approach to skincare wasn’t decorative; it was functional, intentional and surprisingly advanced. Every ingredient served a purpose, every formula had a method, and every ritual reflected a deeper understanding of how the skin behaves in a harsh desert climate.

Egyptians developed early versions of moisturisers, exfoliants, sunscreens, perfumes and anti‑aging treatments. Their anti‑wrinkle creams, often made from aloe, myrrh, and frankincense, show how deeply they understood botanical synergy. Aloe hydrated and cooled; myrrh soothed and strengthened; frankincense tightened and refined. These weren’t random mixtures — they were early dermatological blends built from observation, experimentation and centuries of practice.

Cosmetic tools also evolved here: kohl applicators, cosmetic palettes, unguent jars and carved vessels designed to preserve formulas from heat and light. Beauty was both daily care and spiritual protection, believed to guard the body and honour the Gods.

Egypt’s legacy lives on in modern skincare. Many of their ingredients — aloe, clay, oils, resins, botanical extracts — remain foundational in contemporary formulations. Their philosophy endures too: beauty as ritual, science as care and skin health as a reflection of balance.

Ancient Egypt didn’t just practise beauty. They invented the blueprint.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Factory Fashion: The Real Canadian Rosie Riveters

When Canadian women entered factories during WWII, they created a new kind of beauty — practical, protective and quietly powerful. These were the real Canadian Rosie Riveters, and their style reflected the demands of wartime work.

Factory uniforms were functional: coveralls, denim trousers, sturdy boots and protective gloves. Clothing had to withstand machinery, heat, oil, and long shifts. Yet women still found ways to express femininity within the rules.

Hair was pinned securely under turbans, bandanas or snoods to prevent accidents. These head coverings became iconic — bright colours, polka dots and floral prints added personality to industrial settings. Makeup was minimal but present: powder to reduce shine, a touch of rouge and lipstick when available. Even in factories, beauty offered confidence.

Safety shaped fashion. Jewellery was discouraged, sleeves were fitted and fabrics were durable. Many women altered their uniforms for comfort, adding darts, adjusting hems or personalizing collars.

Factory fashion wasn’t glamorous but it was revolutionary. It represented independence, strength and the merging of femininity with national duty. Canadian women proved that beauty could adapt — even thrive — in the most unexpected places.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage & Pine Nuts

Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage & Pine Nuts is a warm, rustic, Autumn dish that celebrates simplicity and seasonal flavour. Tender cubes of caramelised squash are tossed with fragrant garlic, crisped edges, and buttery toasted pine nuts, creating a beautiful balance of sweetness, richness and earthy depth. Fresh sage adds an aromatic lift, turning everyday ingredients into a refined, side dish that feels both comforting and elegant. Serve it warm on its own or spooned over grains for a nourishing, modern plate that fits seamlessly into Fall cooking.

Prep 10 min Cook 30 min Serves 4

Delicious Butternut Squash Dish with Sage and Pine Nuts. 69105343 Stock Photo at Vecteezy/www.vecteezy.com

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash, cubed
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6–8 leaves fresh sage
1/3 cuppine nuts
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
Roast
Spread on a baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes until caramelized.
Toast pine nuts
In a small pan, toast pine nuts over medium heat until golden.
Finish
Toss roasted squash with toasted pine nuts and torn sage leaves.
Serve
Serve warm as a side or over grains.

Beauty Benefits

Butternut squash: Rich in beta‑carotene, supporting glow, smoother texture, and healthy cell turnover.
Olive oil: Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats nourish the moisture barrier and help maintain elasticity.
Garlic: Sulphur compounds support detox pathways and reduce inflammation linked to dullness.
Pine nuts: Healthy fats and antioxidants help protect against environmental stress and support firmness.
Sage: Naturally antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory, supporting clarity and calmness.

Health Benefits

Butternut squash provides fibre, vitamin C, potassium, and slow‑release carbohydrates for steady energy.
Olive oil contributes heart‑healthy fats and anti‑inflammatory polyphenols.
Garlic supports cardiovascular health and natural detoxification.
Pine nuts add plant‑based protein, magnesium and healthy fats.
Sage supports digestion and has natural antioxidant properties.

Substitutions

Butternut squash → acorn squash, delicata squash or sweet potato.
Pine nuts → almonds, walnuts, pecans or pumpkin seeds.
Sage → thyme, rosemary or parsley.
Olive oil → avocado oil or melted butter.
Garlic → roasted garlic paste or garlic powder.

Storage

Refrigerate for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore caramelisation.
Avoid microwaving — it softens the texture and dulls the herbs.
Not ideal for freezing due to texture changes.

History

Butternut squash has deep roots in Indigenous North American foodways, valued for its sweetness, versatility, and long storage life. Roasting squash is one of the oldest preparation methods, highlighting its natural sugars and velvety texture.

Sage has been used across cultures for centuries — from Mediterranean herbal medicine to early North American cooking — prized for its aroma and healing properties. Pine nuts bring a Mediterranean influence, historically used in Roman, Greek, and Middle Eastern cuisines for richness and texture.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that feels ancient yet modern: rustic, seasonal, and editorially elegant, blending Indigenous tradition with Mediterranean flavour profiles.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?