Introduction

Harriet Hubbard Ayer’s Bio

Original Preface

The Will O’ the Wisp, Beauty

The Sin of Dowdiness

The Hair

The Complexion

How to Read Character from Features

Perfumes

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Harriet Hubbard Ayer’s Beauty Book

Harriet Hubbard Ayer's Biography

 

Harriet Hubbard Ayer was born in Chicago on June 27, 1849. She was married at the age of 16 to Herbert Ayer, the son of an iron dealer. In 1833 her husband failed in business, and Harriet was forced to fend for herself and her two daughters. This was accomplished with great vigor. After working as both a decorator and a salesperson, she was able to secure business backing for the manufacture of a facial crème that she claimed to have discovered in Paris. She marketed this crème using the name Madame Recamier, a famous beauty from the days of Napoleon, and using extensive advertising in newspapers and magazines, her company, Recamier Preparations, Inc. became very successful.

Severe problems arose shortly after with one of the stockholders of the company. Claims and counter claims were filed between Mrs. Ayer and James Seymour, the father in law of her daughter Harriet. These actions culminated in 1893, when her daughter Harriet and her ex-husband had her committed to a mental asylum. A year later, through the help of her lawyers and friends, she was able to procure her release.

Harriet Hubbard Ayer, how to preserve and obtain good health and good looks

In 1896, Mrs. Ayer began to write a column on beauty advice for the New York World. These columns received a huge following. In 1899 she published her book, Harriet Hubbard Ayer's Book: A Complete and Authentic Treatise on the Laws of Health and Beauty.

Harriet Hubbard Ayer was later reconciled with her daughters and was recognized for her work. At her death in 1903 at the age of 54, she was still working at the World. Her daughter Margaret took over her column.

She was no suffragist and no feminist, and in fact facilitated certain myths about beauty, which could be construed today as doing women a disservice. Yet she still sparked the interests and confidence of an emerging class of independent women, encouraging these women to escape from an old pattern of restriction, and hence become more independent.

 

      top    

Introduction | Harriet Hubbard Ayer’s Bio | Original Preface | The Will O’ the Wisp, Beauty | The Sin of Dowdiness | The Hair  | The Complexion | How to Read Character from Features  | Perfumes

 

< about this site > 

    




DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms at www.2020site.org/legal/. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. Since this information is from old and outdated books, it is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you. This site and its contents are (c) 2002 by LoveToKnow Corp.