The grotesquely scarlet mouth seems to have waned somewhat of late. I wonder if the vogue for lipstick is passing, or if mere simple zeal in the manner of its application has given way to discrimination and a nicer sense of the artistic? Lipstick is still prominent, at any rate, wherever aids to the embellishment of female charms are gathered together, and I cannot fail to notice that many interesting and significant variations seem to have evolved from its primitive first form.
In this connection a conversational titbit recently overheard is, I think, worth passing on.
"Madam," said a saleswoman engagingly to a potential customer, "won't you try our lipstick? It is guaranteed to be both damp and kiss proof?"
The customer - chic soingnee, but no longer young - paused and smiled. She had no illusions.
"My dear," she replied sweetly, "I was kissproof long ago."
The Irish Times, July 30th, 1931.