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Cosmetics Containers

by Alana Reese
February 14, 2020
Vintage powder jar with lid and brush

Antique metal purse with engraved initials and chain strap.

Makeup compact, ND
Donated by Sybil D. Hale

Makeup compact attached to a purse with a round metal top with metal mesh pouch. Inside the compact contains a mirror and powder puff, with one clasp opening the compact and the other opening the metal mesh purse. The initials “FL” are engraved on the top of the compact.


Makeup compact, ND

This small silver make-up case allowed the user to easily carry their make-up products from place to place. The case includes a small pink powder puff, held by a spring-operated arm; a small mirror; and coin slots for a dime and nickel.


Green decorative glass jar with floral design

Cosmetic Jar, 1870–1900
Donated by Friends of RLC

Cosmetic jar made of deep green translucent glass, featuring a hand painting on the lid with a small white-petaled flower outlined in gold, surrounded by smaller white flowers.


Decorative dish with lid and dried flowers inside.

Cosmetic jar, 1870
Donated by Friends of RLC

Covered powder jar, part of a white porcelain set with hand-painted blue forget-me-not flowers. This object can be viewed in the master bedroom.


Cosmetic jar, ND
Donated by the estate of Sarah Bixby Smith

Celluloid round box with lid, most likely used to contain rouge. The jar has a glass liner inside to protect the box from the product.


Puff box, 1886
Donated by Florence L. Bixby

Blue tin jar containing powder and handheld puff. On the lid reads “Poudre de Riz,” french for “rice powder,” and a painting of two birds. Rice powder was one of the many kinds of starch powders used for powdering the face to achieve a clear complexion.


Perfume bottle, ND
Donated by Juliana E. Schano

Glass urn-shaped bottle with silver bands and glass stopper under lid.

Vintage ornate glass perfume bottle on fabric surface

Pair of perfume bottles, ND

Two decorative vase-like bottles made of frosted glass, with frosted glass stoppers.


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