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10 Funny Retro Beauty Ads
Advertising hasn't always been the sophisticated psychological exercise it is today. It took decades of focus-grouping to find out what really works, and decades more to convince ad execs that women didn't respond well to being openly told their intolerable body/breath stank was keeping them from snagging a husband. You may not like some modern marketing strategies aimed at women, but click through here and have a laugh at some truly ridiculous old sales pitches.
10 Old-School Looks That Could Be Worn Today
There's nothing like curling up and watching old movies and TV shows, especially when there's so much inspiration to be found in the hair and makeup looks of the leading ladies. Think Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface and Mary Stuart Masterson in Some Kind of Wonderful, both of which could be easily worked into a contemporary look. I've gathered up some of my favorites from days past, but I'd also love to hear some of your top picks, too.
Beauty Flashback: Bold Hold
Do you need to get a grip or, dare I say, a Bold Hold? Well, I sure do . .
Beauty Flashback: Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific
I'm too young to remember when Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific was on shelves, but gee, I can't imagine why a shampoo with a ridiculous name didn't stick around. Ah, but you can't keep a good thing down for long, which is why the shampoo and conditioner are back. I think I'll pass.
Beauty Flashback: Finesse
At the risk of being called a misanthrope, if I got the kind of message that this poor woman receives on her screen, I'd be speed-dialing the cops faster than you can say "Commodore 64." There's something unsettling about Jack the hax0r taking over her computer then whisking her away to Fantasy Island. (OK, I guess you can call me a misanthrope after all.) Still, would this commercial make people more likely to buy conditioner?
Beauty Flashback: Misty
There's something innocent and dreamlike about this commercial, not just in its aesthetic, but in its message: That with the right hair equipment, we can all be as virginally beautiful as Susan Dey. It seems quaint to modern eyes, but I can't help but think that Dey was a more appropriate role model for girls than some of the modern-day panty-flashers out there. Good luck trying to get the jingle out of your head .Beauty Flashback: Conair Geometricks
Oh man, I remember this commercial. I also remember eagerly awaiting the day when I, too, could have crimped or curled hair from one simple styling tool. Unfortunately, 20 years on, the jingle hasn't left my head, so you may as well join me in reliving the horror.Beauty Flashback: Hai Karate Aftershave
Oh my. A Buddy Holly lookalike shows up to take his special ladyfriend on a date, but the aftershave is just too much for her to resist. Our hero must fend the vixen off with fake martial arts moves.Beauty Flashback: Care Free Curl
Everything old is new again — if you wait long enough. Kanye West helped bring back retro sunglasses, the likes of which make a cameo in this mid-'80s spot for Care Free Curl. While a modified Jheri curl is back for some Hollywood stars, I'm not sure if we'll ever go back to the days of asymmetrical haircuts and shoulder pads.Beauty Flashback: Halo
When I think of my mom's youth, I imagine it looks something like this — all wholesome fun and bouncy music. I'm not sure why these youngsters are celebrating at what appears to be Medieval Times, or why it looks like Bela Lugosi is helping the birthday girl with her cake, but you have to admit, the song's pretty snazzy — a word my mom used in her youth and beyond.
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