In 1928, Guerlain introduced Skimous, a distinctive line of complexion soaps that reflected the house’s talent for uniting innovation with elegance. Unlike ordinary soaps of the period, Skimous was designed with a nuanced awareness of skin type and hair color, offered in two carefully crafted varieties—one for blondes and one for brunettes. Each was formulated to address the specific needs of different complexions, a forward-thinking concept at a time when most beauty products were still broadly generalized.
The soaps were visually striking: one presented in a faint green hue, intended especially for those with oily skin. Its formula was praised for its refining qualities, said to tighten enlarged pores and leave the skin feeling clearer and more balanced. The other, in a delicate rose shade, was designed for sensitive or delicate skin, imparting a gentle touch that soothed while cleansing. Both varieties produced a luxurious, satiny lather, turning the simple act of washing into a tactile pleasure.
Retailing at 75 cents a cake in 1929, Skimous was marketed not only as a cleanser but as an innovation in skincare—a step forward for women who believed that soap and water remained the purest method of care for the face. Guerlain’s offering was therefore both practical and indulgent, meeting daily needs while embodying the refinement that had become synonymous with the house’s name.
Beautifully presented and widely available in shops carrying Guerlain, Skimous quickly became a favorite among modern women of the late 1920s, proof that the maison could apply its expertise in fragrance and cosmetics to even the most everyday of luxuries. It was another example of Guerlain’s ability to transform a simple product into something elevated, elegant, and memorable.
Soap box. Photo from Drouot.
No comments:
Post a Comment