Overton’s High Brown La Petite Face Powder Packaging (Outer)

A box containing Overton's High Brown brand face powder. The back of the packaging indicates the product is “Olive-Tone.” The top of the box features an image of a woman's upper body with a small pink flower on her chest.

Hygienic Manufacturing Company, also known as Overton Hygienic Company, was a cosmetics company established by Anthony Overton Jr. (1865–1946). Overton, a lawyer who also had a chemistry degree, opened the Company in Kansas in 1898. The business initially sold baking powder and other products to drug and grocery stores, but Overton recognized that women of color lacked cosmetics that came in their skin tones. The observation prompted his foray into the makeup industry. Overton Hygienic Manufacturing Company became one of the nation's largest producers of African-American cosmetics and Overton became the first African American to lead a major business conglomerate.

The face powder included a variety of shades, such as “nut-brown,” “olive-tone,” “brunette,” and “flesh-pink.” By the time Overton Hygienic relocated to Chicago’s South State Street in 1911, the company manufactured over 50 products, including hair creams and eye makeup.