Ready to face the world – in record time

SIR – In the 1950s my wonderful maiden great aunt lived alone in an apartment in Tangier. She kept a lipstick in a pre-drilled hole by her front door (Features, February 6).

A quick swipe of her lips on the scarlet cosmetic before leaving home and she was ready to face the world. No mirrors were required, but it could be rather hit and miss.

Valerie Aldred

Bath, Somerset

Woman at a Dressing Table by the American artist Frederick Carl Frieseke (1874-1939)