It was as easy as 1-2-3. I refer, of course, to the so-called Clinique “computer”. Launched in 1968, the computer was actually a plastic diagnostic tool with a sliding bar — like a beauty abacus — that sat on shiny white counters in department stores and swiped to reveal a personalised solution for your every skincare need. Every skincare need, that is, as long as it was one of four: normal, oily, dry or (more radical at that time when there really weren’t any other options) combination.
一切就像是数1、2、3那样简单。我指的当然是倩碧“皮肤分析器”(Clinique computer)。1968年推出的这款皮肤分析器实际上是一台带滑杆的塑料诊断仪,看起来就像一个美妆算盘,摆放在百货商场洁白光亮的柜台上。划一下,就可以针对你的每一个护肤需求,显示出一个定制方案。每一个护肤需求,确切地说,只要属于以下四种肤质之一:中性、油性、干性或(在那个年代更具创新性,因为当时真的没有其他任何选择)混合性。