“Clear away beauty-robbing ‘make-up clog’” – Tussy Cleaning Cream, Ladies Home Journal, October 1954.

“Clear away beauty-robbing ‘make-up clog’” – Tussy Cleaning Cream, Ladies Home Journal, October 1954.

In contrast to other advertisements for cosmetic products, this advertisement for Tussy Cleaning Cream features a photograph of a woman wearing only a towel, unadorned, and with her hair pulled back. Dotted lines and arrows are inscribed on her face to indicate where the benefits of using Tussy Cleansing Cream will be most apparent. Though apparently more “factual,” the ad’s copy contains the same hyperbolic claims as other cosmetic ads: “Your skin will look smoother, finer, lovelier… if you cleanse with the Tussy cream made for your skin type.” Part of what differentiates Tussy Cleansing Cream from others is that it is not a uniform product, but is made “special” for each purchaser’s skin type.

Holly Allen

Ladies Home Journal, October 1954