Day Eighteen – His & Hers books from the British Library

by Retro Chick
December 18, 2012
84 Comments
Less than a minute
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12 years ago

Door eighteen hides some his & hers tips for looking your best from the Victorian era.

The British Library Gift Shop have a copy of Beauty, what it is and how to Retain it and The Gentleman’s Art of Dressing, with economy to give away to today’s winner. Including such advice as ‘At night the teeth should be cleaned with a very soft brush of badger’s hair.’

Both books were first published in the 1870s and are a fascinating glimpse into the attitudes of the Victorian era to Women’s beauty and fashionable Gentlemen’s clubs in London.

To be in with a chance of winning these books just leave a blog comment telling me your best beauty tip or tip for dressing well on a budget.

You can earn an extra entry for following Retro Chick on Twitter.

I’m using rafflecopter to manage the giveaway, so make sure you log into the widget below and follow the instructions to make sure your entry counts!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

- by: Michelle Woolstencroft
- 12 years ago
I always buy in the sales and save for the next season and team it up with that seasons jewelry 🙂 xx
- by: Chas Gilbert
- 12 years ago
Buy second hand
- by: Jo Boyd
- 12 years ago
Use your imagination and recycle / upcycle. Buttons off something that doesn’t fit could give a whole new look to something that does. One odd earring can make a zipper look designer. A Peter Pan collar can be made from an old shirt. Doesn’t matter if you can’t sew, just use all the shortcuts and cheats and you can look a million dollars!
- by: adele knight
- 12 years ago
Buy basic clothes that you can mix and match to create different looks, dress up or down with costume jewellery and scarfs
- by: Amy Stephens
- 12 years ago
Bobby pins! Cheap as chips and you can do so many hairstyles with them!
- by: eloise stingemore
- 12 years ago
Quality clothes often require dry cleaning services to care for them. However, dry cleaning bills can quickly add up. To remedy this, try to purchase clothes that do not need dry cleaning; avoid fabrics like wool, linen, and silk. Otherwise, you can markedly reduce your dry cleaning bill by caring for clothes in your dryer with home dry cleaning products.

Read more at Suite101: Tips for Dressing Well on a Budget | Suite101 http://suite101.com/article/tips-for-dressing-well-on-a-budget-a294504#ixzz2G1OOxmcH
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- by: Mickie Bull (@MorningPostie)
- 12 years ago
Spend a day in the charity shops
- by: Julie Booth
- 12 years ago
Go to a small rich village or town which has a number of charity shops. You will be surprised what you will find. I have a Hugo Boss 100% wool suit brand new bought for £15, and they are great for retro and vintage clothing.
- by: Valerie Cosgrove
- 12 years ago
Keep all your expensive fancy cosmetics and perfumes in the fridge! Perfume kept in the fridge will last forever – it doesn’t evaporate and keeps its lovely smell. 🙂
- by: Gillian Holmes
- 12 years ago
Keep everything clean and fresh
- by: Leanne Lunn
- 12 years ago
Gorgeous pair of heels I got this week £5 what a bargain
- by: Sarah Davies
- 12 years ago
I buy clothes from brands which I know suit me on ebay.
- by: Irene Wright
- 12 years ago
I enter loads of competitions and rarely have to buy any shampoo & conditioner. I only enter those competitions that have prizes I want and often win the latest shampoo/conditioner & beauty products. A couple of hours a day on the computer saves me heaps on the best products available.
- by: Katelyn
- 12 years ago
I use a mixture of castor oil/ extra virgin olive oil to keep my skin ultra soft.
- by: Sam Muses
- 12 years ago
Primark! OK, a higher proportion of their stock may be flawed versus “higher-end” stores, but there are so many gems which are better made than many things 10 times the price too.
- by: bunnthebaker
- 12 years ago
My best beauty tip is water! Drink lots!
- by: Molly and the Princess
- 12 years ago
I’m really into coconut oil at the moment – it’s really good for you and can be used in loads of ways for beauty: rubbed into scalp as a pre-shampoo conditioner, mixed with bicarb of soda for toothpaste, and, my favourite – mixed with vitamin e oil for a body butter (loads of good ‘recipes’ on pinterest). Thanks for all the fab prizes on this year’s advent giveaway Gemma, you’re really spoling us! xx
- by: Robyn Lambert
- 12 years ago
My tip is sudocrem! Perfect as an over night treatment one in a while! Clears up spots and dry skin! Brilliant for those with combination skin xxx
- by: Ali Thorpe
- 12 years ago
My best tip to dressing well on a budget is buy well, meaning buy fewer pieces that are better quality and take care of them. Also, have a confirmed colour palette in mind for your wardrobe so, when you shop, whatever you buy can be combined with a few pieces you already own.
- by: Becky Plowman
- 12 years ago
I have always found having a mum with the same sized feet as me and more shoes than sense, works quit well. I am like a vulture if anyone in my family is having a clear-out. Have even taken to getting my hands on my dads old shirts. They look really good after you take the sleeve off and adding a few darts to give some shape.
- by: Nyree Brunton
- 12 years ago
Use beetroot juice/vinegar as a lip stain then slick on some vaseline to make them shine. Pinch your cheeks throughout the day as a free blusher,clean your leather shoes with a banana skin to save on polish, and wash your hair less often to save on shampoo – if it starts to look greasy sprinkle on a little talc and brush through. Also no need to use soap on your face daily – just use a flannel and warm water – the flannel gets rid of the dead skin cells AND rubbing gets the germs off, soap traps grease only and dries your skin 🙁
- by: Manny-TD
- 12 years ago
My best beauty tips were picked up from my Granny who’d had to ‘make do and mend’ during WWII with next to nothing;
a) Always drink lots of water to flush through and keep your skin clear;
b) Stay out of the sun;
c) Maintain a good hair cut and style as it’s the biggest thing people notice first about you;
d) Keep your eye brows neat because they frame your eyes;
e) Stand up straight, shoulders back, tummy in, bottom in;
f) Always keep your shoes clean and polished as it’s the second thing people notice and shows personal pride and keeps them lasting longer;
g) If you’ve got any, put a bit of blusher on or use lipstick on your cheeks (not your lips!)
- by: Katrina Day-Reilly
- 12 years ago
never miss a sale
- by: ali mckenzie
- 12 years ago
to dress well on a budget invest in good quality basics in shades that suit you and you can always follow fashion trends by adding an accessory e.g. aztec scarf
- by: Bex Miller
- 12 years ago
Red lipstick always 🙂 I think the best thing for make-up and clothes is just to know what colours and styles suit you, so you can pick something up and know it’ll work or not, and to be honest with yourself about what looks good! Find your best look and work it!
- by: Holly Boyd
- 12 years ago
I find a good eyeliner fixes everything.
- by: Hannah O'Neill (@hammahnator)
- 12 years ago
Buy secondhand clothes!
- by: michelle moloney
- 12 years ago
best bargains I find in charity shops, they’re usually good quality and it supports the charity too.
- by: michelle moloney
- 12 years ago
I’d actually love to read these and see what the advice used to be 🙂
- by: Sally Carter
- 12 years ago
Charity shops are a great source of cheap clothing that you can alter to suit, with just a little effort. And you have the knowledge that the charity will benefit by you making a purchase.
- by: foz
- 12 years ago
vaseline is cheap and does wonders for dry skin. Also apply to eyelashes before bed for fuller looking lashes!
- by: Mel Hayward
- 12 years ago
I’ve recently re-discovered jumble sales – it can be quite a slog, but soooo worth it when you find that perfect bargin!
- by: Julie Harris
- 12 years ago
Vaseline!
Great for luscious lips and lashes but don’t get it in your eyes!
- by: Solange
- 12 years ago
Charity shops are great for picking up “vintage” clothes
- by: Alice Beaumont
- 12 years ago
Swapping clothes with friends helps to recycle and get a fab new wardrobe at no cost
- by: Christopher Millward
- 12 years ago
I find some bargains for clothing on ebay or charity shops and even clothes with tags on that haven’t been worn.
- by: Jemma Anne Bastable
- 12 years ago
Whenever I buy an accessory like a scarf or a hat I try to picture it working with lots of different diverse outfits, colours, etc. If it doesn’t, I reluctantly put it back down and make myself walk away. Whilst pouting of course. 🙂 If you’re not going to get your money out of an item and you’re on a tight budget, it’s best not to buy it. x
- by: Erica Price
- 12 years ago
Beauty tip is use loads of astral – I use on dry areas, as a night cream and as a hand cream. Good value too.
- by: Dee Heath
- 12 years ago
Just keep an eye out in charity shops for latest style or vintage fashion
- by: kirsty meredith
- 12 years ago
To use natural products as much as possible even some of those that are on hand more than we realise can save us a fortune. Does wonders for your skin!
- by: sheridarby
- 12 years ago
Every morning splash your face with cold water – the cheapest toner there is
- by: Carol Bevitt
- 12 years ago
Sign up to mailing lists from the makers of your favourite products so you always know when there’s money-saving offers or coupons available.
- by: Rahela
- 12 years ago
Olive oil, mixed with brown sugar during the shower then rinse off makes the best exfoliant
- by: Helen Thurston
- 12 years ago
I regularly check out my local independent charity shops – and can usually pick up good quality ‘classic’ pieces that with a bit of imagination and/or my sewing machine mean I have ‘one-of-a-kind’ outfits for a few pounds instead of having to settle for the run-of-the-mill high street stores.
- by: Natasha Small
- 12 years ago
Think outside the box, use a piece of jewellery of clothing for another use, for example I’m currently wearing a necklace (given to me as a present from Burma by my boyfriends parents) made out of melon seeds as a 1920s headpiece. I’ve also turned my mum’s old velour skirt found in the loft into a dress with a waist belt and a few stiches.
- by: Emma Bennett
- 12 years ago
I use a black seethroughish body top under all my old tops or dresses that reveal a little too much of my chubbier arms, or too much cleavage, it holds my figure a little better and means that I can still wear a glamourous dress without feeling like I’m showing too much off. I don’t know what I’d do without it! It’s saved many an item of clothing and stopped me trying to find new dresses that are ‘more respectable’!
- by: Bohdan Kuczynski
- 12 years ago
Charity shops in well heeled areas 🙂
- by: Helen
- 12 years ago
Invest in the pieces that really matter, even if it means having fewer things overall. It’s the Sam Vimes boots theory – if you spend more on something good quality, it will last you much better and cost you less in the long run than buying multiple cheap versions of the same thing which wear out quickly. Good basics which can be dressed up with scarves or accessories are far more versatile in the long run than a range of cheap things which wear out after one or two wears.
- by: Erika Phillipsen
- 12 years ago
Coconut oil works wonders as a moisturizer, for your face, body, and hair!
- by: Tabby
- 12 years ago
Foer beauty on on budget, vaseline is your friend! Use it to salve chapped lips, soothe dry skin, use round hairline when dying hair, condition eyelashes, tame unruly eyebrows, use as a nose balm during a cold & apply to feet, don socks, go to bed, et voila-beautiful, soft feet!
- by: kathryn moores
- 12 years ago
I really recommend car boot shopping for out of season gear!
- by: Summer Davidson
- 12 years ago
Buy the Supermarket’s own cleanser and toner. It lasts for ages and gives it a really good clean – equally as good as the designer brands out there!
- by: stephaniesantorico
- 12 years ago
In the winter, I slather my feet with vaseline, sometimes with a few drops of fragrance, then cover with thick socks before bedtime. Helps bring dry feet back to feeling baby soft.
- by: emilie
- 12 years ago
My best beauty tip is olive oil. I put some on my damaged hair before the shower, moreover I use it when I don’t have makeup remover, and also use it as a scrub by adding some sugar and rubbing a bit. Olive oil is a gift of nature! 🙂
- by: Caroline
- 12 years ago
I always use vaseline on a cotton bud to remove unwanted mascara
- by: Carol Peace
- 12 years ago
Keep an eye out on the local charity shops you can pick up some new things in them at a substantially cheaper price. My local shop has lots of stuff with the labels still on.
- by: Clare F Wood
- 12 years ago
keep checking round charity shops
- by: Louise
- 12 years ago
M best

My best beauty tip – always use eye make-up remover before bed. it’s kind to the fragile skin around the eyes to maintain softness.
- by: roxsie
- 12 years ago
Boots witch hazel, costs £2 and lasts ages. Just a bit on a cotton wool ball and your skin feels refreshed, plus it helps fight acne. When paired with Boots Classic Beauty Rosewater and Glycerin you only need a lip balm and a once a week moisturising cream and your skin stays soft and lovely
- by: Lucy Geddes
- 12 years ago
Brilliant giveaway!

My budget tip is to…. save up and buy good quality where good quality counts! So, buy wel-designed, well-cut clothes and things made of quality materials. I tend to spend more on shoes, coats and knitwear, and also foundation, than on any other items of clothing or make up, because I think they get the most use/wear and people notice those things more! You can wait and buy things in the sales from those shops you can’t afford normally – sign up to shop emails and you’ll be first in line. Try to buy classic things which will last – that makes your money go further too.
- by: FionaLynne Edwards
- 12 years ago
You can’t be the charity shops for a unique outfit – it’s always worth checking those out first. Add shoes, a bag and a vintage scarf for a perfect look on a shoestring!
- by: Steph
- 12 years ago
I never use any sulphates or silicones in my hair products. This keeps my hair beautifully healthy and frizz free!
- by: Arabella Bazley
- 12 years ago
Accessories can change the look of any outfit so I have drawers full of scarves and belts picked up from charity shops and sales and it also means I have the perfect accessories for any new outfit without having to splash out extra.
- by: Clare Webb
- 12 years ago
Car boot sale! Pick up old clothes that are coming back into fashion and spruce them up yourself! I picked up three jackets for 20p each last weekend and all my friends have been asking me where I got them from!
- by: angela sandhu (@angiesandhu)
- 12 years ago
dont throw away old clothes-a lot of them can be made into something else eg, a top can be snazzed up by adding some little beads etc from craft shops
- by: Alex Backhouse
- 12 years ago
I use hairspray for just about everything! I spray the seams on my stockings every morning to ensure I don’t end up with wiggly lines throughout the day. I also spray the entire foot of a pair of brand new stockings, I find it makes them last longer as that’s the place I get ladders first. It can stop hem lines riding up, and tops riding down. This year I used it to secure the bow on my homemade wreath. Although possibly not the best plan for asthmatics, it can me used as a make up fixer (although I accept the health risks) it makes sure your make up doesn’t budge all night! I also use it on my hair believe it or not – nothing can beat it!
- by: Vic
- 12 years ago
I think my tip for dressing well on a budget is to look for clothes that are good value, I.e made of good quality fabric and will wear well and then just pick up a few cheap bits like a top or accessories to embrace a trend or change it up.
- by: Alison Bayne
- 12 years ago
My best tip is to stop caring what other people think, ignore adverts, and wear whatever makes you feel good!
- by: Sarah-Jane Laycock
- 12 years ago
When you believe those expensive creams and potions are finished, cut across the tube horizonally and open out the tube – you will discover another 3-4 generous applications lurking at the base and sides!
- by: JemJem
- 12 years ago
Utilise the sewing machine! Investing in a course to learn how to use mine has transformed my wardrobe.
Most recently my torn high waisted jeans became high waisted shorts- its great fun too!
- by: kirstie kenton
- 12 years ago
When you need a outfit for a special occasion visit charity shops and flea markets first, you can get get some one off clothes look for bits of costume jewellery to finish a outfit off.
for Jazzing up a pair of plain shoes use old brooch’s stuck on the front .
- by: Katarina Lloyd
- 12 years ago
Recycle your clothes – some you haven’t worn for some time may now be in fashion!
- by: Glenn 'Spike' Hutton
- 12 years ago
Charity shops for good second hand clothes
- by: justine meyer
- 12 years ago
charity shops
- by: Charley Foulds
- 12 years ago
You do not need to buy a whole a new wardrobe for each session! just buy the few key items of clothing like a skirt, shirt, smart going out trousers and mix and match them with some nice nude high heels that go well with just about anything!
- by: Claire Wade
- 12 years ago
I spray perfume in a cloud and walk through it, it diffuses it better than straight to the wrist.
- by: Tom Baines
- 12 years ago
found that old jeans look cool if patched with the trend ie tartan, black stripes and will always look cool, cheap and cheerful
- by: Heather Oliver
- 12 years ago
For style on a budget, I always like to wear slips and underskirts under dresses. I buy a lot of cheap dresses on the high street that are often thin and shapeless, or are cut too low or too short, but a slip underneath can really make them look much nicer and different from how everyone else will be wearing it. I also own a lot of different coloured tights that can change the way an outfit looks instead of just black opaques all the time.
- by: JUDITH LUSCOMBE
- 12 years ago
My tip would be to search for the numerous coupons available to enable you to purchase the best products at the cheapest price. Coupons are available online, through the post or if you are lucky you may find them instore. They are available at various times on top quality make up, skincare, bath/showering items, dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwash. With regard to clothing, you can search the internet for promotional codes, voucher codes, free delivery etc etc. So in conclusion you may be able to obtain, your normal or better quality products for a cheaper price.
- by: Steph Nicolls
- 12 years ago
Don’t dismiss cheaper cosmetics. The Barabara Daly Make Up range at Tesco has the most wonderful foundations and powders. They’re flawless and perfectly pale.
- by: Maralyn Smith
- 12 years ago
Plain jumpers that have become boring can be livened up by stitching different colours and sizes of buttons onto them. Add a few pretty coloured ribbon bows and you soon have a new jumper!
- by: Emma walters (@emmav6)
- 12 years ago
i use a scarf in different ways to try & change a look without having to spend 🙂
- by: Tracy K Nixon
- 12 years ago
FOUR AMAZING USES FOR BAKING SODA

No. 1: As a Clarifying Shampoo: Mix 2 teaspoons baking soda with 1 cup water and use as a final rinse after shampooing.
No. 2: As a Facial Cleanser: Mix 1/2 teaspoon with your favorite cleanser for extra exfoliating (no need to buy a separate scrub!). This is fine for all skin types to do weekly, but dry skin may need to follow up with a rich moisturizer.
No. 3: As a Foot Powder: Sprinkle some baking soda into your workout shoes for stink-free and sweat-free feet.
No. 4: As a Teeth Whitener: It has a salty taste but baking soda is a classic tooth cleanser and whitener — sprinkle on a damp toothbrush and brush as normal
- by: Hannah
- 12 years ago
My best beauty tip is Castor oil. I can’t recommend it enough and it keeps my thigh length hair in good condition. Once a week I heat up a little in the microwave, work it into my scalp and cover with a shower cap. After a good hour has gone by, wash it out with shampoo. It sounds icky but it’s not thick and goopy the way olive oil is and the shampoo will wash it right out. It makes hair very shiny, smooth and easy to manage. If used regularly, it’s also been proven to make hair stronger and thicker. You can usually find it in either the ethnic beauty or world food section of a supermarket and it’s no more expensive than £2 for a 500ml bottle.