Beating Broke

Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

  • Home
  • About
  • We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Powered by Genesis

12 Unusual Beauty Standards and Practices from the ’20s That Would Stun Today

April 24, 2024 By Catherine Reed Leave a Comment

Unusual Beauty Standards and Practices from the '20s That Would Stun Today

The Roaring Twenties, an era marked by dramatic social and economic change, also saw an evolution in beauty standards that would seem almost alien today. While contemporary beauty trends lean towards natural and sustainable practices, the 1920s embraced a flair for the dramatic and the novel, often with bizarre twists. From the use of radium in cosmetics to the bobbed hair revolution, these beauty standards and practices from the ’20s would undoubtedly stun modern audiences. Let’s explore 12 of these intriguing trends.

1. Radium Beauty Products

Radium Beauty Products

In the 1920s, the discovery of radium and its mysterious glow led to a bizarre beauty trend. Radium was infused in various beauty products, including creams and powders, believed to impart a radiant complexion. However, the glowing allure came at a high price, as radium is highly radioactive. Unknowingly, women were exposing themselves to dangerous levels of radiation, leading to severe health complications later on.

2. Lard-Based Creams and Hair Products

Lard-Based Creams and Hair Products

In the 1920s, a rather unusual component found in many beauty products was lard. Used in various creams and hair products, lard was praised for its ability to moisturize and enhance hair shine. This trend reflects a time when animal products were commonly incorporated into beauty routines without the same ethical or health concerns expressed today. While modern beauty standards favor plant-based or synthetic alternatives for ethical and health reasons, lard-based products were once a staple in beauty cabinets, embodying the era’s less scrutinized approach to ingredients in personal care products.

3. Lead-Based Face Powder

Lead-Based Face Powder

While the use of lead in cosmetics dates back to ancient times, it persisted into the 1920s. Lead-based face powders were popular for their ability to provide a pale and matte finish, which was a coveted look of that era. Unfortunately, lead is a potent neurotoxin, and prolonged use causes a variety of health issues, including skin damage, hair loss, and even more severe organ toxicity.

4. Mercury for Skin Whitening

Mercury for Skin Whitening

During the 1920s, the use of mercury-laden creams for skin whitening was a common but dangerous practice. These creams promised to lighten the complexion and clear the skin of blemishes and freckles, which aligned with the beauty standards of that era for pale, unblemished skin. However, mercury is highly toxic and can cause severe skin damage, scarring, and serious health issues, including neurological damage. The use of such hazardous substances highlights the lengths to which people would go to conform to beauty ideals, often at significant risk to their health.

5. The Tapeworm Diet

The Tape Worm Diet

Although not exclusively a beauty practice, the tapeworm diet was utilized by some looking to maintain the slim figure ideal of the 1920s. Individuals would ingest tapeworm eggs, hoping the parasites would help them lose weight without additional dieting or exercise. This hazardous method was as dangerous as it sounds, causing severe health issues ranging from malnutrition to death.

6. Bobbed Hair

Bobbed Hair

A more benign yet revolutionary beauty trend of the 1920s was the bob haircut. Moving away from the long, voluminous styles of previous decades, the bob was a bold statement of modernity and liberation for women. This dramatic shift in hair fashion reflected broader social changes, including women’s increasing independence and the rejection of traditional gender norms.

7. The Cupid’s Bow Lip

The Cupid’s Bow Lip

The 1920s makeup aesthetic included a very distinctive lip shape known as the Cupid’s Bow. Women would use lip liner to overdraw the upper lip to create a pronounced double-curve, which was thought to be highly desirable. This look was often paired with dark red or even black lipstick, which made the lips a striking focal point of a woman’s face.

8. Eyebrow Plucking for Thin Lines

Eyebrow Plucking for Thin Lines

Another unique aspect of 1920s beauty was the trend towards extremely thin, penciled eyebrows. Women plucked their natural brows to almost non-existence, then redrew them with a pencil in a fine, curved line. This look is in stark contrast to the fuller, more natural brows favored today and would be considered excessive by current beauty standards.

9. Beaded Eyelashes

Beaded Eyelashes

In the 1920s, beaded eyelashes became a novel trend for those seeking to add a glamorous and dramatic touch to their evening makeup. These lashes were embellished with tiny beads or sequins, catching the light and emphasizing the eyes during the lively jazz nights and lavish parties of the era. This extravagant style, though less practical for everyday wear, showcased the decade’s love for opulence and innovation in beauty.

10. Kohl-Rimmed Eyes

Kohl-Rimmed Eyes

In the 1920s, kohl-rimmed eyes were a defining beauty trend, embraced by women seeking to emulate the dramatic and exotic look popularized by movie stars of the silent film era. Applied heavily around the eyelids, kohl was used to create a dark, smoldering effect that enhanced the eyes’ expressiveness, which was especially important in the era of black-and-white cinema. This bold use of kohl played a crucial role in the evolution of makeup artistry, influencing the way eyes were highlighted in fashion and film.

11. X-Rays for Unwanted Hair Removal

X-Rays for Unwanted Hair Removal

In the 1920s, X-ray technology was not only used for medical diagnostics but also adopted for removing unwanted hair. This method was seen as a cutting-edge solution for achieving smoother skin without the need for repetitive shaving or painful waxing. However, the high exposure to radiation posed serious health risks, leading to severe skin damage and increased risk of cancer, ultimately causing this practice to be abandoned.

12. Chest Binding

Chest Binding

During the 1920s, the fashion trend towards a flatter, more androgynous silhouette led many women to practice chest binding. This involved tightly wrapping the upper torso to conform to the era’s beauty standards that favored boyish figures for women. While this practice allowed women to wear the stylish flapper dresses of the time more effectively, it often resulted in discomfort and potential health risks due to restricted breathing and circulation.

These Unusual Beauty Standards and Practices from the ’20s Show How Far We’ve Come

These Unusual Beauty Standards and Practices from the '20s Show How Far We’ve Come

These unusual and often hazardous beauty standards from the 1920s show how far society has come in understanding health and safety in beauty practices. While today’s beauty trends continue to evolve, health and ethical considerations now guide the industry, steering it away from the harmful practices of the past. This historical perspective not only enlightens but also appreciates the progress made in ensuring that beauty standards do not compromise health and well-being.

Read More:

10 Eye-Opening Comparisons Between Life in the 1980s and Today

15 Bizarre Supermarket Products from the ’70s That Are No Longer Seen Today

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: ShareMe Tagged With: 1920s, beauty, beauty practices, beauty standards, beauty trends, fashion, hair, makeup

8 Tips to Survive an Unexpected Pay Cut

April 17, 2024 By Catherine Reed Leave a Comment

Tips to Survive an Unexpected Pay Cut

In the current economic climate, characterized by rapid changes and uncertainties, an unexpected pay cut can strike a severe blow, unsettling your financial equilibrium. When it happens, immediate and strategic action is necessary to safeguard your financial stability. Here are eight comprehensive tips to help you navigate the choppy waters of an unexpected reduction in income, ensuring you remain afloat and resilient.

1. Assess and Adjust Your Budget

Assess and Adjust Your Budget

The foundation of financial recovery from an unexpected pay cut lies in thoroughly assessing your budget. This critical step involves distinguishing between your essential and non-essential expenses, enabling you to identify areas where adjustments are not just possible but necessary. Essentials typically include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and healthcare, while non-essentials might encompass dining out, entertainment, and luxury services. Streamlining your expenses to focus on the essentials can create a buffer that helps you manage your reduced income more effectively.

2. Strategically Tap Your Emergency Fund

Strategically Tap Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is akin to a financial life raft in the turbulent sea of an unexpected pay cut. If you’ve had the foresight to build such a fund, it can serve as a critical buffer, helping you manage immediate financial obligations without resorting to high-interest debt. If your emergency fund is not as robust as the recommended three to six months’ worth of living expenses, don’t despair. Even a modest fund can provide some relief, so tap into it when the need genuinely arises. Then, once your financial house improves, replenish it to build a new cushion.

3. Open Lines of Communication

Open Lines of Communication

Transparency and communication can be powerful tools in navigating the financial strain of a pay cut. Contact creditors, landlords, and service providers to discuss your situation. Many organizations have protocols in place for hardship and may offer deferments, reduced payment plans, or other accommodations to help you manage your obligations. This proactive approach not only helps in managing your immediate financial pressures but also in preserving your credit score and financial reputation.

4. Seek Additional Income Streams

Seek Additional Income Streams

Diversifying your income becomes crucial in the face of reduced earnings. The digital age and the gig economy offer myriad opportunities to supplement your income, from freelance work and consulting to online teaching and e-commerce. These endeavors not only help bridge the gap created by your pay cut but also enrich your skill set and professional network, enhancing your resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing job market.

5. Reevaluate Your Savings Goals

Reevaluate Your Savings Goals

An unexpected reduction in income will inevitably impact your savings goals, necessitating a strategic reassessment. While it may be necessary to pause contributions to certain savings plans temporarily, aim to maintain any investments, especially those in retirement accounts, to leverage the benefits of compound interest. Adjusting your savings goals doesn’t mean abandoning them; rather, it’s about adapting them to your current reality while keeping an eye on the future.

6. Cut Costs Creatively

Cut Costs Creatively

Navigating a tight budget doesn’t mean sacrificing all enjoyment; it’s about finding cost-effective alternatives that enrich your life. Explore creative ways to reduce spending without diminishing your quality of life. This could mean hosting potluck dinners instead of dining out, enjoying nature and public parks for entertainment, or embracing DIY projects. These cost-saving measures can also foster a sense of community and shared experience among friends and family.

7. Prioritize Your Health and Well-being

Prioritize Your Health and Well-being

The stress associated with financial uncertainty can profoundly affect your physical and mental health. It’s crucial, therefore, to prioritize self-care during this challenging time. Engage in regular physical activity, which doesn’t have to be expensive—think jogging, home workouts, or yoga. Mindfulness practices and meditation can also be invaluable tools in managing stress and maintaining mental clarity. Remember, investing in your health is essential for maintaining the energy and focus needed to navigate financial challenges.

8. Plan for the Future

Plan for the Future

Use this challenging period as a learning experience and a springboard for future financial planning. Once you’ve adapted to your new situation, focus on rebuilding your emergency fund and reassessing your financial strategies. Consider further education or skill development to enhance your marketability and potentially open new career avenues. Embracing lifelong learning and adaptability can not only help you recover from an unexpected pay cut but also position you for greater opportunities in the future.

You Can Navigate an Unexpected Pay Cut

You Can Navigate an Unexpected Pay Cut

An unexpected pay cut, while challenging, is not insurmountable. You can navigate this difficult period by taking decisive action to adjust your budget, seeking additional income sources, and prioritizing your health and well-being. Remember, this is a temporary setback. With resilience, creativity, and a proactive approach, you can emerge from this experience financially stronger and better prepared for whatever the future may hold.

Read More:

Being Wise with Your Spending

5 Steps I’m Taking to Lower My Grocery Budget in 2024

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: job loss, ShareMe Tagged With: fired, income, income reduction, job loss, layoff, Making money, unexpected pay cut

10 Unexpected Benefits of Living on a Tight Budget: The Upsides of Being Broke

April 16, 2024 By Catherine Reed Leave a Comment

Unexpected Benefits of Living on a Tight Budget The Upsides of Being Broke

In an era where consumer culture and social media often define success and happiness, living within a tight budget can seem less like a choice and more like a last resort. Yet, as we navigate through economic uncertainties, a rising cost of living, and a collective push towards more sustainable living, the constraints of a tight budget reveal numerous unexpected advantages. Here are ten surprising upsides to embracing frugality that might just redefine your notion of being “broke.”

1. Unleashing Creativity and Innovation

Unleashing Creativity and Innovation

Necessity is undeniably the mother of invention, and a tight budget is the playground of creativity. Limited financial resources force you to think innovatively, be it through DIY projects, discovering alternative solutions to everyday problems, or simply finding joy in creating something from nothing. This kind of creativity not only adds a unique zest to life but also hones problem-solving skills that are invaluable across all aspects of life.

2. Mastering Financial Discipline

Mastering Financial Discipline

Navigating a tight budget is akin to a masterclass in personal finance. It teaches you the importance of tracking every expense, differentiating between wants and needs, and planning for the future. This acute financial awareness and discipline lay a solid foundation for managing resources more effectively, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind.

3. Rediscovering the Joy in Simplicity

Rediscovering the Joy in Simplicity

In a world with a constant bombardment of messages telling us we need more, living on a tight budget teaches us the opposite. It reminds us that happiness often lies in life’s simplest moments—reading a book, enjoying nature, or spending time with loved ones. This realization fosters a deeper appreciation for what truly matters, leading to a more content and fulfilling existence.

4. Contributing to a Greener Planet

Contributing to a Greener Planet

A frugal lifestyle naturally leads to reduced consumption and waste. By making thoughtful purchases, reusing, and recycling, you not only save money but also contribute to environmental sustainability. This mindful approach to living aligns with the growing global consciousness around minimizing our ecological footprint and living more harmoniously with our planet.

5. Building Resilience and Flexibility

Building Resilience and Flexibility

Living on a tight budget is not without its challenges. Yet, through these challenges, you develop a resilience that transcends financial aspects. You learn to adapt, make do, and find solutions, precious skills for navigating life’s unpredictable nature.

6. Fostering Authentic Connections

Fostering Authentic Connections

Without funds for lavish entertainment or dining, you’re likely to seek out more genuine and heartfelt ways to connect with others. Simple gatherings, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations often lead to stronger, more authentic relationships that aren’t predicated on spending money but on the quality of time spent together.

7. Escaping the Debt Trap

Escaping the Debt Trap

A tight budget often necessitates living within your means, which naturally steers you away from the lure of credit cards and loans. This debt avoidance spares you the stress and constraints associated with repayments and fosters a sense of freedom and autonomy in your financial life.

8. Gaining Clarity on What Truly Matters

Gaining Clarity on What Truly Matters

When resources are limited, you’re compelled to scrutinize your spending, which, in turn, brings clarity to your values and priorities. This reflective process allows you to align your lifestyle more closely with your values, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

9. Embracing Self-Sufficiency

Embracing Self-Sufficiency

The constraints of a tight budget often lead to learning new skills out of necessity, whether it’s cooking from scratch, repairing items instead of replacing them, or growing your own vegetables. These skills not only save money but also instill a profound sense of self-reliance and empowerment.

10. Laying the Groundwork for Future Prosperity

Laying the Groundwork for Future Prosperity

Interestingly, the habits cultivated from living frugally—such as saving diligently, investing wisely, and making thoughtful financial decisions—can significantly contribute to future financial success. When your financial situation improves, the principles and practices honed during tighter times ensure you manage your increased resources wisely, avoiding the pitfalls often accompanying financial windfalls.

These Benefits of Living on a Tight Budget Show There’s an Upside to Being Broke!

These Benefits of Living on a Tight Budget Show There’s an Upside to Being Broke!

Living on a tight budget may initially seem daunting, but it harbors many unexpected benefits that extend well beyond mere financial savings. From fostering creativity and resilience to promoting environmental sustainability and deeper human connections, the advantages of a frugal lifestyle are profound and far-reaching. Embracing the constraints of a tight budget paves the way for a more stable financial future and enriches your life in ways money cannot buy, illustrating the timeless truth that sometimes, less truly is more.

Read More:

9 of the Most Common Reasons People End Up Broke

The Psychology of Poverty: 18 Surprising Effects of Being Broke on Your Mind

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: budget, ShareMe Tagged With: being broke, benefits of being broke, living on a tight budget, no money, Personal Finance, tight budget

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 111
  • Next Page »
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Improve Your Credit Score

Money Blogs

  • Celebrating Financial Freedom
  • Christian PF
  • Dual Income No Kids
  • Financial Panther
  • Gajizmo.com
  • Lazy Man and Money
  • Make Money Your Way
  • Money Talks News
  • My Personal Finance Journey
  • Personal Profitability
  • PF Blogs
  • Reach Financial Independence
  • So Over Debt
  • The Savvy Scot
  • Yes, I am Cheap

Categories

Disclaimer

Please note that Beating Broke has financial relationships with some of the merchants mentioned here. Beating Broke may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize the links located throughout the content on this site and generate sales for the said merchant.

Visit Our Advertisers

Need to change careers? Consider an Accounting Certificate Program from WTI.