In Praise of Cosmetics

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In Praise of Cosmetics is the title given to Max Beerbohm's article in the first edition of "The yellow book" published in 1894. A seminal point in publishing history. Max's contribution was a gently subversive look at painted faces.

Among 1890's society women make-up was rarely used. It was often overtly associated with harlots and stage people, both of whom had very little social standing. It is only with the rise of great actor dramatists like Sir Henry Irving and Dame Ellen Terry that we begin to see a turn in the tide of feeling. Max always enjoyed poking fun at pomposity. He loved the world of the streets and the stage. He was a frequent visitor to the music halls of the west end. Often being seen at the Hippodrome and the noisy dens of Leicester square. Here, among lesser known artistes, cavorting and capering to tunes of the day, Max would sketch and nightly enjoy the fun.