One of the world’s most influential makeup brands didn’t come from Paris or New York — it came from Toronto. MAC Cosmetics was founded in 1984 by makeup artist Frank Toskan and salon owner Frank Angelo, two creatives frustrated by the lack of makeup that performed under studio lights, photography and runway conditions. Foundations oxidized,Continue reading “MAC Cosmetics: The Global Beauty Giant Born in Toronto”
Tag Archives: beauty history
The Ordinary: Toronto’s Skincare Disruptor That Changed the Global Beauty Industry
When The Ordinary launched in 2016, it didn’t look like a typical beauty brand. No glossy campaigns. No celebrity faces. No poetic product names. Just stark white bottles, clinical labels and prices that made the industry blink. And behind this quiet revolution was Toronto, home to Deciem — the company that created The Ordinary andContinue reading “The Ordinary: Toronto’s Skincare Disruptor That Changed the Global Beauty Industry”
Great Depression Beauty: Repurposed Household Items as Everyday Beauty Tools
During the Great Depression, beauty didn’t disappear — it adapted. With money scarce and cosmetics often considered a luxury, women turned to their kitchens, sewing baskets and cleaning cupboards to create clever, resourceful beauty tools from everyday household items. These DIY solutions weren’t just frugal; they were imaginative, practical and surprisingly effective. Curling tools were oftenContinue reading “Great Depression Beauty: Repurposed Household Items as Everyday Beauty Tools”
Depression‑Era Skincare Routines
Skincare during the Great Depression was simple, practical and rooted in household ingredients. With commercial creams often too expensive, women relied on pantry staples to cleanse, moisturize and maintain their skin. Cleansing usually began with soap and warm water, but many women softened the routine by adding a small amount of olive oil or cold creamContinue reading “Depression‑Era Skincare Routines”
1930s Hair Styling Tools
During the 1930s, hair styling was a blend of ingenuity, patience and household creativity. With limited access to salon tools and the lingering effects of the Great Depression, women relied on simple, affordable items to achieve the soft waves and sculpted curls that defined the decade. One of the most common tools was the rag curler.Continue reading “1930s Hair Styling Tools”
Depression‑Era Perfume Substitutes
Perfume was a luxury many women couldn’t afford during the Great Depression, but scent remained an important part of personal beauty. Instead of store‑bought fragrances, women turned to simple, homemade substitutes crafted from kitchen staples, garden herbs and everyday household items. One of the most popular alternatives was vanilla extract. A tiny dab on the wristsContinue reading “Depression‑Era Perfume Substitutes”
