This framed shaving mirror (HF.1.69) enlarged your face so you could see where you were shaving more closely.
This framed shaving mirror (HF.1.69) enlarged your face so you could see where you were shaving more closely.
This Marcel curling iron (HF.17.68a) was heated on the fire or stove before wrapping hair around the metal.
This Marcel curling iron (HF.17.68a) was heated on the fire or stove before wrapping hair around the metal.
This brass and mother of pearl watch stand (HF.11.60) was used on a nightstand to place watches in at night.
This brass and mother of pearl watch stand (HF.11.60) was used on a nightstand to place watches in at night.
This personalized shaving mug (HF.16.60) was used to store soap pucks and create a lather so the users hands would be clean.
This personalized shaving mug (HF.16.60) was used to store soap pucks and create a lather so the users hands would be clean.
This small glass cologne bottle with painted flowers and a gold hinged lid (HF.1.46) was used to store cologne or perfume.
This small glass cologne bottle with painted flowers and a gold hinged lid (HF.1.46) was used to store cologne or perfume.
This folding straight razor with a bone handle (MH.6.49) was used to shave.
This folding straight razor with a bone handle (MH.6.49) was used to shave.
This wooden jewelry box with molded ornamentation on the exterior (HF.43.41) was used to keep brooches and jewelry put away.
This wooden jewelry box with molded ornamentation on the exterior (HF.43.41) was used to keep brooches and jewelry put away.
These brass brooches with purple paste stones (HF.43.41c,d) were worn for decoration.
These brass brooches with purple paste stones (HF.43.41c,d) were worn for decoration.
The late 19th century was the start of advertisement companies dictating the nation’s expectations of personal hygiene and presentability. The goal was to sell new manufactured products to the middle class. Ads for products like razors pushed beard trends while lady’s magazines pushed styles for women. Each family typically had one wash bin for bathing and would only use it once or twice a week. Each member of the family would use the same water only pouring more in if it got too cold. It was not uncommon for people of the 19th century to wear the same clothes daily. Women usually had a dress for inside the house and a dress for working outside.