Bourjois Healthy Mix Powder Anti-Fatigue 2 Light Beige, 11g

Product Information

By the 1930s, the development of cosmetics at Bourjois was primarily driven by the creation of new fragrances rather than new formulations. Each new perfume was developed into a series, its extent depending on the popularity of the fragrance. With few exceptions, all the cosmetics in each new range had already appeared in previous series so there was little need for innovation in formulation. Although profitable, this strategy would prove to be unsustainable in the long term.

Bourjois had a number of face powders in the American market in 1935 including Java, and Manon Lescaut, two of Bourjois’ earliest face powders; Karess, and Fiancee which had been added to Bourjois through the merger with Woodworth in 1929; and the newer entrants such as Evening in Paris, Springtime in Paris, and Flamme. created a brush for loose cosmetics that made working with bright pigments easier and prevented over-use.

Transition

Worth mentioning is Bourjois’ Mansfield range of men’s shaving toiletries. Introduced in 1936, the line consisted of Mansfield Shaving Soap, Shaving Cream, Talcum, and After Shave Lotion. Bourjois had made shaving products well before this but this range appears to have been specifically developed for Father’s Day which American stores began to heavily promote in the 1930s to help boost flagging sales. Mansfield was not Bourjois’ first fragrance created for men; Chicote was available in the Spanish speaking world by 1935. France Bourjois continued to sell a wide range of rouges in Britain and the Dominions during the 1930s. The Ashes of Roses Rouge only came in Rosette Brune, Rosette Blonde, and Mandarine shades but the company sold at least seventeen other shades of rouge in Britain in the 1930s. Those that I have evidence for are Rouge Incarnat, Rouge Groseille, Rouge Corail, Vert Opelia, and Cendres de Violettes. The manufacturer focuses customers' attention on the fact that beauty is a game. It would be best if you took it easy to create a new image and to highlight accents, rather than sacrificing your individuality for fashion. The company's product lines are full of tools that help create that famous French beauty look and accentuate their individuality. As elsewhere, information on Bourjois powder shades is largely missing. I have a record that Evening in Paris Face Powder came in eleven shades by 1937 but the only shades I know of were: Naturel, Rachel, Medium Rachel, Deep Rachel, Peach, Peach-Tan, and Sun-Tan. War

The French company Bourjois has almost 160 years of history and is headquartered in Paris. The brand creates decorative cosmetics, skincare treatments, and perfumes. Many customers consider the company's products an example of a perfect combination of affordable price and high quality. Above: Italian Mon Parfum powder box listing a wide range of shades: Blanche, Rose I, Rose II, Pêche, Naturelle, Rachel, Rachel Foncé, Ocrée Chair I, Ocrée Chair II, Ocrée I, Ocrée II, Ocre Foncé, and Ocre Soleil. Colour coordination Evening in Paris Satin Finish Compact:“ [M]ake-up flatters like a powder, clings like a kiss . . . the glow doesn’t go, thanks to a fabulous French beauty ingredient.” Shades: Texas, Miami, Mexico, and Cuba. The Cuba shade was later dropped, presumable due to the Cuban Revolution, and the range became Arizona, Texas, Miami, Florida, and Mexico. By 1962, Bourjois seems to have reverted to descriptive shades such as Rose Beige, Cream Beige, Rachel, Brunette, Fair, and Suntan.

Bourjois Evening in Paris 2-0-8 Face Powder. The clear plastic base allowed customers to view the powder shade (US). The clamour surrounding the Healthy Mix foundation and concealer range is well justified, for a start. Where high street complexion products can be hard to get right, this range is just-so: coverage is generous but lightweight, finishes are luminous and flattering, and textures are easy to build. So sophisticated are these formulas, it was once rumoured that the brand shared recipes with another, more premium French cosmetics brand (not true, as it turns out, but we could easily have believed it!).