Suntan Lotion

     They say that smell is the sense most closely linked to memory.  I believe that. I doubt anyone could take a whiff of Coppertone “suntan lotion” and not instantly think of summer and the beach.  One of my recent collection obsessions has been searching for old containers of Coppertone.  With everything I collect, this is the one that gets me the “the look”, when I ask a dealer if they have one. 

     Despite what they might think, this isn’t the strangest thing to collect, believe me (I also have a fake rat collection).  I guess that since most people threw the bottles away and the fact that it’s still made today, is why it might seem odd.  To me, the smell of Coppertone is one of the smells most closely linked to happiness, and I love to surround myself with things that make me happy.  

     Truthfully, the vintage containers of Coppertone no longer smell like what I remember slathering on as a kid, but I credit the scent, and the memories associated with it, for the success of the brand for the last 71 years.

      It was originally invented by a pharmacist, in 1944, as a way to get a deeper tan. Over the years the packaging has changed and early containers feature a logo with a Native American Indian along with the slogan “Don’t be a paleface”.  In 1953, the Coppertone girl with her sidekick cocker spaniel and pale “cheeks” became their icons and the ones we all remember.  More recently, their slogan was “flash ‘em your Coppertone tan”, which is part of the ads I remember from my teen years of “laying out”, with then SPF 0.  Now…..SPF 1000!

      In honor of my upcoming trip to the beach, and summer itself, I thought I would share my collection. And if you close your eyes and think real hard, I bet you can still smell it…

 

 

These are some of the earlier cans and bottles. The first two cans show the change in advertising and the bottle of Shade shows that apparently someone cared about too much sun exposure.

 

 

 

The can of tanning butter spray in the middle is my personal favorite. I love the graphics on it. They are having so much fun! It would have totally made me buy a can if it hadn't been sold in 1973 (I was born that year and wasn't yet worried about a deep tan). The small bottle on the left is a sample given out by Eastern Airlines. The label on the other side has the Indian logo. 

 

 

.........Well, it will soon be time to hit the road. Here's to a great Summer!