Ok, so, these are going to make you mad. And also possibly make you laugh, though mostly in that shocked “WTF” kind of way.
What we have here are a collection of very REAL vintage ads for products aimed at women. Not such a big deal on its own, but wait ’till you see the marketing methods that were big back in the day. Every single one of these is a bizarre cocktail of shame and misogyny and patriarchal nonsense in the name of getting you to buy an eye cream or whatever. It’s a lot.
Brace yourself. Here we go.
13. Stockings
…WILL SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE FROM DOOM!

Via: Mentalfloss
12. Menstrual cramps
…really victimize men, if you think about it.

Via: Mentalfloss
11. Neglect?
Seriously what is even being sold here? Is it just an existential nightmare?

Via: Mentalfloss
10. Feminine hygiene
It’s more impressive than being nice to a bird.

Via: Mentalfloss
9. Keeping clean
It’ll make your husband stop being so abusive!

Via: Mentalfloss
8. Divorce
It’s what’s gonna happen if you don’t buy Lysol, lady.

Via: Mentalfloss
7. Unspoken truths
Thanks for the heads up, marriage counseling ad.

Via: Mentalfloss
6. Hair
…is gross and you should be ashamed of it.

Via: Mentalfloss
5. Your friends
They secretly hate you because you won’t buy our stuff.

Via: Mentalfloss
4. Your clothes
If they have holes, you’re gonna die alone.

Via: Mentalfloss
3. Your hands
They don’t deserve rings, you dishwashing hussy.

Via: Mentalfloss
2. Cereal
If you could poop better men would love you more.

Via: Mentalfloss
1. Medieval torture contraptions
They’re making a comeback in the beauty industry!

Via: Mentalfloss
It’s hard to put into words just how much yikes these ads bring to the table. Though I guess it’s worth celebrating that we’ve progressed enough that no company would get away with this nonsense today.
What’s the worst ad you’ve ever seen?
Tell us in the comments.