Vintage makeup looks transport us back in time, offering a timeless charm that modern makeup sometimes struggles to mimic. Whether it’s the glamorous grandeur of the 1920s flapper girls, the iconic pin-up style of the 1950s, or the retro allure of the 1960s mod movement, each era has its own distinctive makeup style. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the art of creating a vintage makeup look, exploring the essential products, techniques, and inspirations you’ll need to achieve that classic flair of yesteryears.
Understanding Vintage Makeup Eras
Before we plunge into the tutorial, it’s vital to understand what makes each era unique. Vintage makeup encompasses a broad range of styles. Here’s a quick overview of how makeup trends varied through some iconic decades:
– 1920s: Characterized by bold, dark eyes, thin arched brows, and daring red lips. It was a decade of dramatic rebellion against traditional beauty standards.
– 1940s: A time when makeup was more understated due to World War II, yet still emphasized femininity with red lips and a softly defined eye.
– 1950s: The post-war era saw a return to glamour with polished red lips, winged eyeliner, and perfectly powdered complexions.
– 1960s: Known for the mod look, featuring bold eyes with masses of mascara and false lashes, often paired with more subdued lip colors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving a Vintage Look
For the purpose of this tutorial, we’ll focus on the quintessential 1950s makeup look, which has a perennial appeal and is relatively straightforward to recreate.
Step 1: Perfecting the Base
Start with a clean, moisturized face. The 1950s was all about having a flawless, matte complexion:
– Foundation and Powder: Choose a full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone. Apply using a beauty sponge for a seamless blend. Follow with a loose setting powder to seal the foundation and eliminate any shine.
– Conceal and Highlight: Use a concealer that’s a shade lighter than your foundation to cover blemishes, redness, and dark circles. Highlight the high points of the face such as the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow to emulate a naturally sculpted look.
Step 2: Sculpting the Face
Contouring wasn’t as pronounced as it is today, but a subtle enhancement can mimic the depth typical in photos from the era:
– Blush: Blush was a staple in 1950s makeup. Opt for a rosy or peach shade, applied sparingly to the apples of your cheeks, blending slightly upwards towards the temples.
– Bronzer: Lightly dust a bronzer along your cheekbones and jawline to add a touch of sunkissed warmth.
Step 3: Eyes that Enchant
The eyes are arguably the most significant aspect of vintage makeup, especially in the ‘50s:
– Brows: Achieve neatly arched brows using a brow pencil. The brows should be defined but not overly bold, sticking to your natural shape.
– Eyeshadow: Choose neutral shades, like taupe, beige, or soft brown. Apply a light shade over the entire lid and a slightly darker shade in the crease for depth.
– Eyeliner: The winged eyeliner look became iconic in the 1950s. Use a black or dark brown liquid or gel liner. Draw a line along your upper lash line, extending it outwards and slightly upwards at the corners to create that classic ‘cat-eye’ flick.
– Mascara and Lashes: Layer on several coats of volumizing mascara on the upper lashes. If you want extra drama, apply false lashes to enhance that wide-eyed look.
Step 4: Lips that Pop
The lips in a vintage ‘50s look are all about boldness:
– Lip Liner: Start by lining your lips with a red lip liner to define the shape and prevent feathering. Consider slightly overdrawing your natural lip line to achieve that full lip effect.
– Lipstick: A vivid red or deep crimson lipstick will perfect your vintage vibe. Apply directly from the tube or use a lip brush for more precision.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Seal your look with a setting spray to ensure it lasts all day. For an authentic ‘50s glow, a subtle dusting of finely milled highlighter over the tops of the cheekbones and down the nose can add a fresh finish.
Tips for Maintaining Authenticity
– Research Iconic Figures: Take inspiration from style icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, or Grace Kelly. Observing their personal makeup styles can give you further insight into the period’s nuances.
– Period-Appropriate Products: While we have modern tools, incorporating vintage-inspired makeup products, like cream rouges or classic bullet lipsticks, can enhance the authenticity of your look.
– Hair and Accessories: Consider pairing your makeup with a complementary vintage hairstyle and accessories. Victory rolls in the hair, headbands, and pearl earrings can complete the transformation.
Conclusion
Creating a vintage makeup look is not just about applying products; it’s about channeling the spirit and elegance of a bygone era. It allows you to embrace history, express creativity, and perhaps most importantly, have fun. With a bit of practice, you’ll not only master the technique but also develop a deeper appreciation for the timeless beauty of vintage glamour. So, dust off that retro red lipstick, pull out your eyeliner, and get ready to step back into time. Your own slice of vintage elegance is just a makeup brush away!
