The 1940s and 50s held iconic styles such as platinum blonde hair and the bright red lip, but beauty came at a much higher price back before modern cosmetics. The earliest blonde hair dye was a toxic mix of ammonia and laundry soap. Early cosmetics were no better with mascara being vaseline and coal dust, surely causing all kinds of health problems. Griddles held the whole constricted ensemble together, with stars like Marilyn Monroe having an inch smaller waist than modern models like Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr. Fashion in America has evolved to be both more modern and more comfortable.
http://www.thegloss.com/2013/10/17/beauty/6-vintage-beauty-tortures-that-dont-happen-today/
