In this new series we will be chatting to members of the CHMSN- we start with our co-founder Hillary Belzer to find out what it is all about
What inspired you to establish an academic network group specifically focused on cosmetic history? There are academic networks for so many areas of study and history but none just for cosmetics. Given how many scholars are working on this topic, it seemed only natural to start a network to help support everyone’s work and also spread awareness that cosmetic history is a legitimate area of research.
How do you envision this group contributing to the understanding and exploration of cosmetic history within academia? The study of cosmetics is very interdisciplinary and the various backgrounds and research areas of CHMSN’s members serve as a great example of the other disciplines cosmetic history crosses (women’s studies, art history, etc.) In this way the network helps other scholars see the connections to cosmetic history and how it can be relevant to an assortment of fields.
What are some key goals or objectives you hope to achieve through this network? It would be great to host an annual conference where members could present their work, and we’d also like to publish an edited volume on cosmetic and makeup history. I would also love to see the network establish an academic journal on cosmetics history and current beauty culture.
Could you share some significant milestones or accomplishments the group has achieved since its inception? It’s still a very new network, but we have roughly 20 members from all over the world studying a wide variety of topics.
What challenges have you encountered in building and maintaining this academic network group, especially within the niche field of cosmetic history? The network and its co-founders are not yet affiliated with an academic institution, which makes it a bit more challenging to get access to certain resources such as publishing connections, library access and funding for various projects. Another challenge is defining “cosmetics” and what topics encompass that. So far we’ve accepted a very broad definition to branch out into hygiene, health, body adornment more generally, etc., but it’s tricky to determine whether the study of “cosmetics”, at least for the network, should cover only certain areas such as fragrance, makeup, haircare and skincare.
How do you encourage interdisciplinary collaboration within the group to enrich the study of cosmetic history? Simply by the very nature of what our members are studying, there is great opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration. The network makes it easy to see what others are doing in the field and inspires further research that extends into areas they perhaps hadn’t considered before.
What kind of research or projects is the network currently engaged in or planning to undertake in the near future? We plan on asking members to submit articles for the network’s Substack as a way to share their expertise and further solidify the network’s reputation as a collection of experts in the field.
In what ways does the group engage with the broader community, beyond academia, to disseminate knowledge and create awareness about cosmetic history? The Substack as mentioned above, and a lot of the network’s members are active on social media and/or have individual websites.
Are there specific historical periods or cultural aspects of cosmetic use that the group is particularly interested in exploring? Nothing specific – timewise, everything from before written history through the current year is fair game. Ditto for cultural aspects – our members are interested in everything! Race and gender for sure, but also business, science, medicine, legislation, art and design.
How can individuals interested in cosmetic history or related fields get involved or contribute to the network’s initiatives? Drop us a line at cosmetichistorynetwork@gmail.com or fill out the form on our website!
Website: https://www.makeupmuseum.org/home/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_museum/