Do you take out the makeup company’s compact when you reach into your purse, or do you carry something more personal, like a vintage compact? I don’t wear makeup very often, but I’m really pleased of the old compact I got from my great-grandmother. Here are some stunning vintage compacts that I thought you might like to look at (and maybe wish all modern compacts were just as pretty).
Art Deco in Green
Art Deco was the best time for vintage compacts, without a doubt. Art Deco was a style that was popular from the 1920s to the 1940s. It was known for its bright colors and geometric lines.
People loved green Art Deco compacts in the 1920s to 1940s. They were commonly constructed of enamel, chromium, and Bakelite. They had bright colors and geometric lines, and they were typically embellished with jewels or complicated patterns. Many of the designs were based on the Art Deco style, which was prominent at the time. Collectors really want these old compacts these days.
Red Breakers in Art Deco
These bright red breakers make you think of the Roaring Twenties, when strong colors and geometric patterns were all the rage in design. The glossy red enamel and shiny silver embellishments on the compact show how much people of the day loved luxury and modernity. The clamshell shape not only kept the valuable powder safe, but it also looked great on the flapper who was ahead of the fashion curve. Having one of these old treasures is like having a piece of history in your purse. It shows that you are classy and glamorous.
Art Deco Guilloche Enamel
During the Art Deco period, enamel was the most common material used to embellish compacts. Guilloche is a type of engine-turned procedure that engraves the enamel into very detailed designs.
This vintage Art Deco Guilloche Enamel compact is a great piece of cosmetics. The complex engine-turned designs on the enamel make a beautiful appearance. Enamel was the most popular material for decorating compacts throughout the Art Deco period. The guilloche method was employed to carve the enamel into its unique designs. This compact is a terrific illustration of how beautiful old makeup can be, and everyone will love it.
Flower in the Art Nouveau Style
Art Nouveau came before Art Deco (1890–1920) and was known for using stylized organic shapes.
This article’s Art Nouveau floral compact is a great example of the style that was popular from 1890 to 1920. There is a mirror in the middle of a stylized flower motif. This silver item is a beautiful addition to any woman’s makeup collection. Art Nouveau was recognized for its use of vivid colors, complex motifs, and natural shapes. People liked this style of art in the 1800s and early 1900s. It was employed in many other types of art, like building, furniture, and jewelry. This vintage compact is a great example of Art Nouveau and will make any outfit look more elegant.
“Making yourself look better doesn’t always mean going for the shiny look. More and more women are realizing how attractive a shine-free finish can be. You can also get a perfect, subtle glow with the right tools and techniques. Learn how to master this trend with these amazing matte makeup tutorials. Get a natural glow without the extra flash.”
Guilloche Enamel “Tango Compact”
Wearing the ring on your finger was how you “carried” this kind of compact.
The Guilloche Enamel “Tango Compact” is a beautiful piece of antique makeup art. You should wear this compact on your finger instead of putting it in your purse or pocket. The enamel’s complex pattern is beautiful to look at, and the silver-plated frame makes the piece feel even more opulent.
The compact’s design is based on the traditional guilloche enamel technique, which is a way of engraving that uses a succession of lines that fit together to make complicated designs. During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, this process was utilized to make a lot of gorgeous jewelry and other things.
The “Tango Compact” is a fantastic example of how to use guilloche enamel. The enamel design is really detailed, and the silver plating on the frame makes the piece feel even more luxury. The compact is a great addition to any collection of antique makeup.
6. Birds in the Art Nouveau Style
Art Nouveau Birds Via Karen’s Special Listing –
Walter Crane’s “The Swans” is the design.
Walter Crane’s beautiful “The Swans” shows the smooth, graceful lines that were popular in the Art Nouveau period. The compact has a playful touch that fits with the natural curves and romantic themes that were popular at the time. This pocket-sized piece of art is not only a great way to remember bygone glamour, but it also serves a purpose. It’s the perfect gift for someone who loves classic beauty. This beautiful accessory is a must-have, whether it’s hidden in a purse or on show on a vanity. It will never go out of style.
Clock with Compact
Clock Via Fashion’s Compact
A unique mix of shape and purpose.
This old-fashioned compact with a clock is a one-of-a-kind and fashionable item. It is round and made of metal, with a clock face in the middle. There is a colorful border around the clock, and there is a small button on the side that lets you change the time. The compact is a great way to keep up with the latest fashion trends and keep track of time. It will also get people talking and get a lot of attention. If you adore vintage things or makeup, you need this compact with a clock.
Victorian Handheld Mirror
Victorian Compact MirrorVia Unavailable Listing on Etsy
Victorian women would have carrying cases that could do a few things at once. This one has a mirror and a place to put business cards.
Old Limoges
Vintage LimogesVia Vintage Limoges Vintage Powder Compacts …
Many different kinds of fine arts companies created compacts. Limoges, France, has been creating exquisite porcelain since the 19th century and enamels since the 12th century.
Limoges is a French city known for its beautiful porcelain and enamel craftsmanship. The city has been making these things for a long time. The earliest enamels were manufactured in the 12th century, and the first excellent porcelain was made in the 19th century.
Limoges is well-known for its old-fashioned powder compacts. The exquisite porcelain and enamel used to make these compacts give them a unique and lovely look. A lot of these compacts include detailed designs, like flowers, birds, and other attractive things. Some of the rarest and most sought-after versions were built in the late 1800s, and they are very collectible.
Most of the time, compacts are round or oval, and they are often embellished with different colors and patterns. Floral patterns, geometric patterns, and even landscapes from nature are some of the most popular designs. Most compacts have a cover that may be opened to show a compartment for powder.
Deco Red Enamel
Deco Red EnameledVia 1061: Deco Red Enameled Compact …
“Risqué” women were a big part of the Art Deco era.
These brave and courageous women loved the bold lines and bright colors of the time, which they often showed off in their choice of accessories. The Deco Red Enameled Compact is a great illustration of that time. It has shiny red enamel and complicated geometric motifs. It is a statement item that embodies the splendor of the Roaring Twenties, making it a great find for any antique collector. Its craftsmanship is not just a reference to the past, but it is also a timeless treasure that adds color and history to any modern vanity set.
Phone Small
Phone CompactVia House of Schiaparelli | Compact …
Old-fashioned compacts were both fun and attractive. This is from the House of Schiaparelli and was manufactured in 1935.
Silver Tone Powder Compact Purse with a Chain and a Ring for Your Finger
Silver Tone Powder Compact Purse with Chain and Finger Ring Via Vintage Art Deco Compact Purse …
This is from the early 1900s, yet it is definitely in the Art Deco style.
This sparkling powder compact is both a beautiful piece of jewelry and a nod to a time of plenty. The compact has a strong chain and a delicate finger ring that make it easy to carry. It was made during a time when everything a lady carried said something about her style. Think of how it would sound when you take it out of your beaded evening bag. The silver color of the outside is engraved with geometric designs that are typical of the Art Deco style. This makes it not only a useful item but also a small work of art to look at.
Malachite Compact
Malachite Compact Via Ornate Malachite Box | 1stdibs.com
This ancient compact from the late 1800s is made of 18k gold, malachite, and other precious stones. It would cost you about $12,000.
This beautiful piece, with its detailed details, is definitely a treasure for collectors. It reminds us of a time when things were made with real skill. The shiny gold and the mosaic of shiny malachite provide a beautiful play of color and luxury. Adding gems gives it a little sparkle, making it more than simply a compact; it’s a work of art. This is a great gift for people who love the charm of old-fashioned accessories. It works as both a beauty tool and a statement heirloom.
Guilloche Enamel and Marcasite
Guilloche Enamel & Marcasite from rubylane.com
The jade green looks great with the silver chasing and marcasite.
This compact is a work of art because of the complex geometric designs made with the guilloche technique. The silver threads woven into the enamel provide a beautiful ballet of light and reflection. The jade green color is reminiscent of the luxury of the past, and the marcasite’s faint shine lends a touch of old-world beauty. This piece isn’t just a container for powder; it’s a sign of luxury that tells stories of lavish parties and beauty that lasts forever. You can’t dispute how appealing its old charm is; it’s a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves classic style.
Metal Compact from the 1950s
1950s Metal CompactVia Green Lucite Compact with Sea …
This is beautiful. The Lucite surface has the sparkly seahorse set into it.
This metal compact from Etsy from the 1950s is a perfect addition to any collection of vintage makeup. The Lucite surface gives the sparkly seahorse a one-of-a-kind look and feel. The compact is composed of metal and is the perfect size to fit in a purse or pocket. It’s great for people who like to add some sparkle to their makeup.
The compact is not only pretty, but it also works really well. Because it includes a mirror inside, it’s easy to put on makeup while you’re on the road. It also contains a powder pocket and a powder puff, which help you keep your cosmetics and accessories in order.
This old-fashioned compact is a terrific way to add some elegance and glam to your cosmetic routine. It’s a terrific opportunity to show off your appreciation of old-school cosmetics and make a point. This 1950s Metal Compact is likely to make you go “ooh!” whether you like vintage makeup or just want a one-of-a-kind piece to add to your collection.
Kewpie Flapper
Kewpie FlapperVia *Vintage Silver Art Deco Compact …
I like how the rhinestones are embedded into the hat, but the picture of the hat itself has terribly faded.
This lovely piece has an obvious appeal that takes you back to the roaring twenties, when flapper culture was at its peak. The rhinestones add a touch of shine to its elegance, making it both a useful item to take in your purse and a nostalgic remembrance. Even though the picture is fading, the art has a history that says a lot. It’s the kind of accessory that starts conversations and is always in style. If it could talk, think of the stories it could tell! The Kewpie Flapper compact is a wonderful gem for any collector’s collection since it combines fun and style so well.
Enamel in French
French EnamelVia Unavailable Listing on Etsy
A lot of people like to decorate vintage compacts with flowers.
Gold Art DecoVia Vintage Compact Mirror
The black and gold look really sophisticated.
Mirror that fits in your pocket
Compact MirrorVia pinterest.com
Putting two jobs into one.
Silver with enamel
This tiny cutie was manufactured in Austria in 1905.
Rose Flower
Floral Rose Via rubylane.com
This was made in 1950 out of sterling silver.
Roses made of Bakelite
Bakelite was a particularly tough type of plastic that was quite popular from the 1920s to the 1950s.
These Bakelite flowers are a nostalgic nod to the time when people loved complicated designs and strong materials. Bakelite was a popular choice for many decorative products since it doesn’t carry electricity and can withstand heat. Women of the time would have loved a compact like this, not just because it was useful but also because it was fashionable. The careful work that went into making this basic beauty accessory into a timeless gem is shown in every petal and curve. They have a charm that is both nostalgic and stylish, making them a great addition to your vanity.
Chatelaine
Chatelaine Via Antique Sterling Silver Guilloche Enamel …
A chatelaine is a set of feminine tools that are normally worn on a belt. It usually carried sewing supplies, but this one also has a compact.
This lovely Chatelaine is an antique piece of guilloche enamel sterling silver from the early 1900s. It is a one-of-a-kind and incredibly uncommon object that would be a great addition to any collection. It has a compact and a lot of other sewing supplies. This compact is wonderful for someone who loves antique makeup, and it would be a great way to start a conversation. It is a one-of-a-kind artwork that will definitely get people talking and admiring it.
1960s Compact
So easy and so pretty, too.
The compact from the swinging ’60s is a great example of the decade’s style, with its sleek lines and understated grace. The mirror inside sparkles as brightly as it did when it was constructed, and the powder chamber, which usually has a soft puff, is ready for a new touch. This jewelry isn’t only for looks; it’s a statement piece that hints to stylish parties and the timeless elegance of its time. The craftsmanship makes sure that it will still be beautiful decades later. It’s a treasure for people who love the art of the past.
Continental SOLID SILVER
This is great if you like silver.
Roses in Deco
Deco Roses Via Vintage Compact Gorham Deco Roses …
Do you have $300.00 to spend on a compact? It is silver, though. And it comes from the 1930s.
Bird in Hand
Bird in Hand Via Salvador Dali “Bird in Hand”…
It would cost you $2,800 to buy this Salvador Dali creation from the 1950s. It is constructed of silver and gold plate.
Celluloid
Celluloid Via le-boudoir-online.com
Back when smoking was cool and it was alright for images to depict it.
Back in the day, celluloid was a common material for making old-fashioned compacts. It was a kind of plastic that was recognized for being strong and easy to shape into complicated shapes. These compacts typically had elegant and complicated patterns, thus they were not only useful but also stylish. The use of celluloid in compacts was also a sign of the times, when smoking was seen as cool and acceptable. You can see this in pictures of old compacts, when smoking was often shown as a glamorous thing to do. Celluloid was very popular, but it was gradually supplanted by other materials because of safety concerns and new technologies. But these antique celluloid compacts are still quite precious to collectors and makeup lovers.
Heart
Fulco di Verdura signed this piece in 1948. It is constructed of gold and has tourmalines and aquamarines set in it.
This paragraph talks about a beautiful antique compact by the famous designer Fulco di Verdura. This piece of jewelry was manufactured in 1948 and is composed of gold with tourmalines and aquamarines on it. This compact is not only a useful makeup tool, but it is also a piece of art. The complicated design and usage of rare gemstones make it a high-end and sought-after piece for any antique collector. The compact’s ageless beauty and craftsmanship show how elegant and glamorous the time it was made was. It shows how much people still love retro fashion and beauty.
Art Deco PINK & Black
I appreciate how long this is because it shows more of your face.
The Du Barry Richard Hudnut compact clearly shows off the Art Deco style with its striking PINK and black geometric motifs. This statement piece not only reflects the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s, but it’s also useful for current makeup lovers who like a little bit of retro charm. Its useful shape and dramatic contrast make it a great conversation starter or a cherished souvenir at any classy event. This is great for people who like both useful and elegant beauty accessories.
Airliner from Stratton
Stratton Airliner Compact by Stratton Airliner
Since 1923, Stratton has been one of the biggest makers of compacts in the UK. The one in the image is from the 1950s.
The Stratton Airliner series stands out because of its sleek, streamlined appearance, which brings to mind the golden age of travel. This mid-century accessory is not only useful, but also a great addition to any collection, which shows how popular it is. It’s hardly surprising that both vintage lovers and fashionistas love these items. The craftsmanship is impressive; some versions include expensive materials like gold plating and detailed etching, which makes each compact one of a kind. With its stylish look, this Stratton example admirably captures the elegance of the time.
Cornflower
Cornflower Via Evans Cornflower Compact
Made by Evans in the 1930s.
For hundreds of years, people from many different civilizations have used cornflower as a medicine and as a decoration. In the 1930s, Evans made a compact that was based on the delicate and bright blue petals of the cornflower. The Evans Cornflower Compact is a gorgeous blue enamel compact with detailed decorations. It was a popular women’s accessory in the 1930s and stayed popular in the 1940s and 1950s. The compact was not only useful for quick touch-ups on the run, but it was also a fashion statement. People who love antique makeup really want the Evans Cornflower Compact.
Stars of Gold
Gold Stars Via Vintage Gold Stars Stars Confetti …
A lot of gold stars will make you feel like a star.
If you love makeup, you need to have vintage compacts. These gold star designs are sure to capture your eye. Vintage Gold Stars is an Etsy seller that sells a wide range of compacts with gorgeous gold stars and confetti patterns. These compacts are not only useful, but they also make your makeup look more glamorous. The compact is a sign of style and class, therefore it goes with everything. The gold stars give it a fun and silly look that makes you feel like a star every time you use it. Don’t miss out on these beautiful vintage compacts; add them to your collection right now.
Cameo
Cameo Compact Russian Hallmarked C …
Between 1935 and 1945, this was made in Russia.
Atkinson’s Compact
Atkinson was a business in the United States. This compact is very small, measuring just 1-1/2 by ¾ inches.
Atkinson’s Compact is a vintage makeup compact that was made in the United States. The picture shows that it is small and compact, barely 1-1/2 by ¾ inches. Atkinson’s was known for crafting elegant and high-quality compacts, so this one is a must-have for any makeup collector. The company was also recognized for using complicated designs and materials in their compacts, which made them even more desirable. This compact perfectly captures the elegant and magnificent look of old-fashioned cosmetics. Because it’s compact, it’s easy to take with you and touch up, so it’s a useful addition to any cosmetic collection.
I don’t know what kind of hard stone it is, but it goes really good with the silver.
Brown Compact
This Brown Compact is an old Evans Compact composed of silver and a hard stone. We don’t know what the hard stone is, but it looks beautiful with the silver. This compact is a perfect addition to any makeup collection. It has a great shape and lots of small details that make it stand out. The lid has a design that sticks up, while the base is sleek and shiny. It also has a mirror inside, which makes it great for quick touch-ups. This old-fashioned compact is sure to make you look old-fashioned with a modern twist.
Lucite in pink
Pink Lucite Via Vintage Powder Compact Mirror Case …
I really adore the confetti design on the Lucite surface.
People liked pink Lucite, a form of plastic, in the middle of the 20th century because it was strong and came in bright hues. Because it was light and easy to shape, it was often used to make vintage compacts like the one in the article. This compact has a confetti pattern made by mixing little pieces of colorful plastic into the Lucite before it set. This made a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching design. Collectors and beauty lovers alike want these old compacts because they work well and look gorgeous and nostalgic.
Yellow Pansies
Yellow Pansies Via SALE Vintage Compact Yellow Pansies …
Pretty and fragile.
The antique yellow pansies compact is a beautiful addition to any beauty collection. The lid of the compact has a gorgeous picture of these delicate and pretty flowers on it, which makes it a one-of-a-kind and eye-catching piece. This compact is part of a collection of old things that are for sale on Etsy, a well-known online store. The compact is in great shape and is a great example of the complex and complicated designs that were popular in the past. This compact is not only a useful makeup tool, but it is also a work of art that will make any vanity or dressing table look more elegant.
Vase from China
Chinese Vase Via Art Deco Series Day 3 …
It was made in 1927 out of gold and platinum and set with emeralds, sapphires, onyx, and coral.
Black Enamel
Black Enamel Via 1930s Art Deco Powder Compact …
Another stunning black and silver deco combination.
Black enamel was a popular material used in vintage compacts during the 1930s Art Deco era. It was often paired with silver accents to create a striking and elegant look. This combination was also seen in other accessories and jewelry during this time period. The black enamel not only added a touch of sophistication, but it also provided a durable and long-lasting finish. Many vintage compacts featuring black enamel can still be found in excellent condition today, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of this material. Its timeless appeal and versatility make it a sought-after choice for collectors and makeup enthusiasts alike.
Victorian Hand Fan and Powder Compact
If that compact held powder, I’d be worried about it opening and the powder flying everywhere as I wafted my fan about.
Red Jeweled Heart
Red Jeweled Heart Via rubylane.com
Wouldn’t you feel special putting on your red lippy looking in this red celluloid compact?
