Originally published in 1873 by "A Lady" (really),
Beauty, What It Is and How to Retain It
is a practical little guide dispensing tips on whipping up homemade hair tonics and face masks with lard and beef marrow, the value of brushing hair for 20 minutes night and day, and using a soft badger-hair brush to clean the teeth. And then, there are skin-care secrets like this: "The water used for washing the skin should be rain-water, but if London rain-water, it must be filtered to clear it from smuts.” Good to know.
For the menfolk,
The Gentleman's Art of Dressing, With Economy
, written by "A Lounger at the Clubs" in 1876, provides budget-minded advice on dealing with a wet top hat (oh, the bother) and the importance of not wearing the same trousers two days in a row. Preach.
Photo: Courtesy of British Library