Marked Girl: The Story of Elinor Holt" -- Advertising "Hide-It" Brand Concealer and Powder

Chicago, Illinois: Clark-Millner Co, 1937. very good. Light toning, minor rust on staples.. Illustrated booklet advertising a brand of concealing cosmetics, allowing women to hide shameful birthmarks, pimples, freckles, scars and varicose veins. The booklet begins in the form of a story told from the point of view of a handsome man enraptured by a "slim, attractive girl, with deep brown eyes" that was beautiful except for a shameful birthmark. She rejects his advances until she finds relief in the form of "Hide-It" concealer and powder, and the couple live happily ever after now that Elinor had "won her freedom from her pitiable handicap". Note several things about this ad: first, the strong correlation between the language and storytelling used here and romance novels of the day; second, the way in which cosmetics companies prey upon the physical insecurities of young women seeking love and validation; and third, note that the shades of product listed in the rear go from "Light" to "Sun Tan" and do not appear to accommodate women of color, as was the norm for most mainstream cosmetics companies of the day. An interesting case study and view into gender and consumerism in America c.1938. Includes directions for use after the story. Single vol. (5" by 3.75"), pp. [20], in original illus. self wrps. (Inventory #: 21000408)