The Washington herald., 1914-05-01
THE BAD HABIT OF
FACIAL GRIMACES

The American woman. as a type. is
said to be a nervous woman To many
it would seem that all women are crea-
lures aniicted with superabundance of
nerves, but since the American woman
is one of vast ambitions. as well as
energy, perhaps. she is bound to know
more acutely the curse Of that highly
strung state which is not at all con-
ductive to good health or good looks.
Perhaps this the reason why the
American woman iF addicted to the
habit of facial contortions or contrac~
ton, which often becomes habitual with
her. She does not realize how unpleas-
ing such a haoit makes her appear. Or
she would have not INDUCED in it.
Many Of the facial grimaces are un-
conscious little tricks which women
make without being really aware OF it.
On any trolley car one can see on a
dozen different faces a dozen different
ways Of comforting the muscles of the
face. in anything but a pleasing man.
ner. Fatigue has much to do with IL,
all OF the muscles are relaxed the
mouth droops wearily and the eyelids
are hardly lifted. Then there is the
woman who raises her eyebrows every
other second. keeping them shooting up
and down with every sentence she ut
tiers.
Some nervous, high-tempered women
draw all their features into a knot.
especially when they are telling Of some
thing which angers them. Eyes squint.
the mouth Is. drawn into a button, lines
show from the end Of the mouth to the
nose. the whole face looks puckered.
Other women, when they wish to be
impressive narrow the eyes. Some be-
come so earnest in conversation that
two deep vertical lines are formed be-
tween the eyebrows with every word
they say. Later they wonder why they
have such cross and exasperated ex-
preston.
One Of the latest fads in facial deport-
ment. is that studied manner of some-
thing which might be called settled de-
spair. Go into any of the fine tea rooms
or ise hotels and usually you will see
one or several women dressed very care
fully, pretty women who choose to sit
there Hooking about them mournfully.
The mouths drawn down at the corners,
the syes glancing about Ianguidly, the
whole expression betokening some deep
heart sorrow. Some carry 1t SO far that
they seem forever to be on the verge OF
bursting into tears Why young and
blooming women should adopt this lugu-
brious expression is more than any one
can see. for certainly no man would feel
attracted to such woobegone and despon-
dent looking creatures
The styles this spring. however, should
certainly do away with Milady Despon-
dent Not many could wear such a hook
while clad in rufies and furbeiows, in
quaint bonnets with streamers. IN CO.
quettish befrilled waists and tip tilted
skirts which more than hint at saucy
dress irnprovers worn beneath them.
Doubtless with such styles, facial
grimaces will run to such things as dim
pies, artIess lips parted in sweet smiles.
eyes Elancing shyly from under lowered
cyelashes, foreheads at once smooth and
snowy under tossing curls. The nervous
American woman viii be nervous no more
or az least only nervous enough to be coy. /
fun Of smiles. or a little agitated when
the right man appears in the distance and
comes closer.
But speaking seriously. the woman who
would appear to advantage should take
counsel Of her mirror or of some Of her
truesf friends to ind out IL there are
any facial habits she could amend or
omit 20 advantage. Wrinkles come soon
enough, IN all conscience. without hurry |
ing them or abiding any superfluous ones.
Therefore one should rigidIy avoid the |
llp biting the frowning. the eyebrow rais- |
ing and the eye nafro'Nng habits. IL they |
would preserve their beauty, smooth and |
lair for some TIME 10 come. None of /
.hese things are pretty, none are becom- ]
ng, none add one iota of charm to the