MM summer 2018 exhibition

I understand that the summer 2018 exhibition themes are, once again, not original or thought-provoking, but they definitely got me dreaming of lazing in a hammock under some palm trees on a tropical island filled with exotic colorful birds. Flamingos and palm trees as well as a pink and green color scheme appear to be everywhere this year, even more so than in past seasons, and I wanted to celebrate these trends with some of the most summery makeup we've ever seen. Consider 2018 an updated version of the Museum's 2015 jungle/safari themed exhibition, that, astonishingly enough, does not contain a single mermaid! I'll be sharing all the images that inspired me in a follow-up post, but for now let's feast our eyes on some pretties.

Top row, left to right.

I'm very intrigued by this vintage Bulgarian face powder box and sample packet. And while I'm not a fan of the Kardashian/Jenner clan, I think the April Vogue cover made a perfect modern example of advertising's love affair with pretty birds. (See also these images of Jennifer Lawrence and Liz Taylor, as well as this 1957 Harper's cover.)

I believe this is the first time I've worked in a print by an illustrator in an exhibition. This print by Kendra Dandy pairs well with some of the pieces from the Charlotte Tilbury/Norman Parkinson collection. I've been a fan of Kendra's since I discovered her via an Anthropologie collection a few years ago, and I'm still kicking myself about not getting anything from it (especially the flamingo-printed lip balm, which would have been perfect for this exhibition.) Fortunately she consistently puts out amazing illustrations so I'm at least able to buy those.

Vintage Rex palm tree compact (ca. 1950s) and Woodbury Tropic Tan ad:

These flamingo-themed Violet Voss and Nomad palettes were a total surprise, which is one of the reasons I had to delay the exhibition launch. It was worth it though. :) I know they look very cramped but I really wanted them on the same shelf since they're both new and by indie brands.

Second row, left to right.

Sephora lipstick case and Paul & Joe Face and Eye Colors:

I adore the packaging for this new Japanese line (look at the little flamingo tracks!), but the story behind its creation is interesting too.

I love the palm tree pattern of the By Terry palette, it's so elegant. The ArtDeco items are actually from last fall, but they read more summer to me. I ordered the Beauty Box Trio and the Blush Couture so the embossing on the blush and design on the outer cases are visible at the same time, but unfortunately they screwed up my order so I'm still waiting for the Beauty Box Trio.

I'm so pleased that Collecting Vintage Compacts and "Cap'n Rexall" (the author of this blog) had the full story on Jonteel. And when I say full story, I mean they were somehow able to track down every bit of information on this vintage line. As always, I weep at the fact that I will never come close to this level of research.

Third row, left to right.

Another print by Kendra Dandy, I just couldn't resist! Looks right at home next to these Pai Pai and Etude House lipstick cases.

LM Ladurée blush container:

Here's the palm-tastic Urban Decay Beached collection…well, not the whole lineup since there is a bronzer with palm trees on it as well, but I didn't want to invest any more in this collection.

How cute is this Dorothy Gray ad?! The Stratton compact is lovely but I also really appreciate the kitschy vibe of the hand-painted souvenir compact. If I were a tourist in the golden age of compacts I definitely would have gotten one from every destination I visited.

Bottom row, left to right.

Wet 'n' Wild Flights of Fancy items and Morphe Babe in Paradise palette:

Another vintage powder box which admittedly I bought before trying to come up with information on it. Alas, I wasn't able to find much save for a couple of newspaper ads. But the design is just too exquisite to pass up.