A very popular trope in teen movies is the makeover, the physical transformation of the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. In this episode, Susan and Debbie take Rhonda under their wing, and convince her she can be the next homecoming queen. Their beauty intervention happens in the sancta sanctorum of the Schaffer’s mansion — Liz’s bedroom.

The first object the camera pans on is the infamous bottle of Versace Dylan Blue, historically inaccurate but looking good in a 1980s context.

We can also see a Revlon lipstick, although the name of the brand has been blurred.

Other two products sitting on Liz’s vanity are a spray can of Miss Breck hairspray and a bottle of Jean Naté after-bath splash.

This unusual round box contains a vintage Philips beauty set, which includes tools for shaving, manicure and pedicure.

The two tiny tubes are Maybelline lash adhesive. The tube shown above is from the 1970s, while the ones in the TV show have a more modern packaging.

The hot pink tube is Lip Smacker Piña Colada lip balm. Previously seen in Debbie’s vanity drawer, it’s the only lip colour Rhonda will accept wearing.

Fans of time travels, this is for you: there’s a Westman Atelier mirrored compact (containing Vital pressed skincare face powder) on Liz’s vanity. A product launched in 2022 makes its appearance in 1981 — a magic trick that is possible only in the fictional worlds created by Ryan Murphy.