Let's vacuum your face.

You’d be invited to a lot more proms and parties if you’re face wasn’t so very disgusting! That was the message being sent with no subtlety in this 1952 advertisement for a Vacutex contraption that purported to suck blackheads right out of teens’ heads and faces.

The pitch communicated that all that stood in the way of a young person’s amazing popularity was clearer skin. The product cost a buck. An excerpt from from the ad copy:

“So can you blame the fellow who says, ‘Sure I meet a lot of girls who look cute at first glance. But if, on that second glance, I see dingy blackheads, it’s good night!’

Or can you blame the girl who confesses, ‘I hate to go out with a fellow who has blackheads. If he’s careless about that you’re sure he’ll embarrass you in other ways, too.’

But you–are YOUR ears burning? Well, you’ve company and, sad to say, good company. There are otherwise lots of attractive fellows and girls who could date anyone they like if only they’d realize how offensive blackheads are…and how easily and quickly they could get rid of them..if they want to!”