THECUBAREVIEW 11 



Even the less expensive powders are nicely boxed. Several brands of white compact 

 powder are shown; some are packed in metal cases, while others, less expensive, 

 are boxed in cardboard. 



Almost all of the talc sold is American. Several varieties of French talc are 

 shown, but are sold very little, owing to their cost. 



Liquid Powders in Demand — Rouges and Lip Sticks 



There is a steady demand for the so-called liquid powders in Cuba. These are 

 not only sold for evening use but also are used by many purchasers at all times. The 

 preparations offered here are the customary mixtures of rose water or witch hazel 

 and glycerin, with the powder element consisting of carbonate of chalk, carbonate 

 of magnesia, and oxide of zinc. These liquid powders come principally in white. 



Rouge of all types is procurable in Cuba, though the cake form is probably most 

 popular. The shades are the same as in the United States; in the cheaper grades 

 a light, brilliant-colored rouge is preferred. Some liquid rouge is sold and used chiefly 

 for tinting the lips; one French make is extremely popular. Paste rouge is also stocked, 

 but not nearly so generally. 



Lip sticks are practically the same as those found on the American market, and 

 a good demand for them exists. This likewise holds true of eyebrow pencils. 



Nongrease Creams the Most Popular 



Because of its subtropical climate, Cuba is not so good a market for creams as 

 a more northern country. Owing to the heat, the skin is more inclined to be oily 

 than in a colder country, and consequently only a limited amount of greasy cream 

 is used. The creams most in demand are those of a semi-greasy nature which have 

 bleaching qualities. However, one lanolin cream which is combined with witch hazel 

 is well accepted. There should be a good market for the American vanishing creams. 

 Almond creams, which are more of a liquid cream and contain benzoin and glycerin, 

 are considered the most popular and are widely sold. Lemon creams also are well 

 liked here because of the bleaching qualities ascribed to them. It must be stated, 

 however, that not nearly the variety nor the quantity of creams is shown in Cuba 

 that is usually seen in American drug stores. During the winter season there is a 

 slightly heavier demand for creams because of the cooler weather and the winds. 



Probably the best-known cream on sale in Cuba is a French glycerin preparation 

 which has been on the market for many years. It is understood that this cream is 

 composed of powdered arrowroot, glycerin, rose water, pulverized oxide of zinc, 

 tincture of benzoin, and tincture of panama. 



Heavy Perfumes are Preferred 



A wide range of makes and odors of perfumes, extracts, and toilet waters is on 

 sale in Cuba. It has been difficult to determine the preference of the Cuban purchaser, 

 but several of the merchants have stated that chypre, amber, and the heavy oriental 

 types of perfumes are popular, although such odors as jasmine, lilac, and rose are 

 also well received. 



All of the perfumes are attractively bottled, and, in the case of the more costly, 

 containers of great beauty are used. These are often packed in satin and other fancy 

 boxes. The demand is chiefly for bottles holding small quantities. 



The French perfumes and extracts predominate. The merchandise of other countries 

 is shown in only limited quantities, while a considerable amount of the goods sold is 

 manufactured in Cuba. As the French perfumes are rather expensive, it is believed 

 that a moderate-priced American perfume which retains its odor would find a ready 

 market. 



Cologne and other toilet waters are sold in large quantities. Cologne water is 

 often put up in pint and quart bottles, although it is also on the market in smaller 



