Leg Makeup History
When nylon went to war, women got creative. Leg makeup became the solution to stocking shortages during WWII.
The Problem
- 1942: U.S. enters WWII
- Nylon diverted to military (parachutes, ropes)
- Stockings nearly impossible to find
- Bare legs considered improper
- Women needed alternatives
Homemade Solutions
Kitchen Ingredients
- Gravy browning (most common)
- Tea staining
- Coffee
- Cocoa mixed with water
Problems
- Streaky application
- Rubbed off on clothes
- Washed off in rain
- Sometimes attracted insects
Commercial Products
Cosmetic companies responded:
- Max Factor "Pan-Stik" leg makeup
- Elizabeth Arden "Velva Leg Film"
- Helena Rubinstein "Leg Stick"
- Improved formulas, better staying power
Drawing the Seam
The hardest part: faking the back seam
- Eyebrow pencil most common tool
- Friends helped draw straight lines
- Some salons offered the service
- Stencils became available
- A crooked seam was obvious fake
Application Tips (Historical)
- Apply lotion base first
- Use damp sponge for even coverage
- Build up thin layers
- Let dry between coats
- Draw seam last, when dry
- Set with powder if available
Legacy
- Made bare legs more acceptable
- Early precursor to modern self-tanner
- Symbol of wartime ingenuity
- Sometimes recreated for vintage events
Modern Equivalents
- Spray tan
- Leg bronzer
- Body makeup
- Specialty costume products