1950s makeup is about having lovely, smooth skin, a striking lip color, and clearly defined eyeliner. It’s a refined look, but not one that’s piled on. Women wanted a smooth face, noticeable eyes, and those wonderful classic red lips. And when you get it right, it doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard; it’s a style that lasts.
How to Do 1950s Makeup
Here’s a pretty easy guide to get the look.
Prepare Your Skin Thoroughly
First, prepare your skin thoroughly. Back then, makeup was applied to skin that was in good condition, and not to any dry spots. Start with a light moisturizer and give it time to sink in. If you are prone to oiliness, a mattifying primer is a good idea; the idea is to have a smooth, uniform surface. Don’t go overboard with anything that makes you glow. The 1950s look is more for a matte, softer complexion.
Create a Flawless Base
Next, create a flawless base. Use a foundation with medium coverage, and make absolutely sure it’s a perfect match for your skin. Blend it smoothly all over your face and down onto your neck.
It should look natural and even, not thick. Then use a little concealer under your eyes and on any spots. Lightly dust with powder to get rid of shine. In the 50s, skin looked even and clear, not as though it had lots of highlighting and shading.
Keep Your Eyebrows Soft and Shaped
Keep your eyebrows soft and shaped. Eyebrows of the period were neat and gently arched, not thick or very defined. Use a pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and follow the natural curve of your brow. Keep the lines soft, and don’t make them too harsh. Brush through them to blend it all in.
Choose Neutral Eyeshadow
For eyeshadow, choose neutral colors: beige, soft brown, or a pale pink are all good. Put the lightest shade all over your eyelid, and a slightly darker one in the crease to give a bit of definition. Avoid a heavy, smoky effect. The eyeshadow is there to complement the eyeliner, not to steal its thunder.
Apply Winged Eyeliner
The winged eyeliner is arguably the most important part of the whole thing. Use a liquid or gel eyeliner and start with a thin line along your top lashes, as close to them as possible. At the outside corner, extend that line upwards just a little to make a small wing. It should be neat, but not hugely long. The wing is to lift the eyes, not to be dramatic.
Add Mascara (Keep It Light)
Add mascara (but don’t go too heavy on it). One or two coats on the upper lashes is enough. Concentrate on making the lashes longer and separating them, rather than making them thick. You can have a very light coat on the lower lashes, or skip them altogether. Natural-looking false lashes were sometimes used, but not the really thick kind.
Use a Gentle Blush
For a bit of life in your face, use a delicate blush. Think a lovely, soft pink or peach if you’re going for that 1950s vibe. Put it on the fullest part of your cheeks the apples, as they’re sometimes called, and then blend it up and towards your cheekbones. You’re after a healthy, dewy freshness, not anything too sculpted or strong. It should be a quiet touch, enhancing rather than competing with your eyes and mouth.
Finish with a Classic Red Lip
Finish with a classic red lip. Red lipstick is 1950s makeup. Start by outlining your lips with a lip liner in the same shade. This defines the shape and stops the color from running. Fill them in with a true red; reds with a blue base were especially liked. Press your lips together with a tissue, then put on another layer for a lip color that lasts.
Set Your Makeup for Longevity
To make your makeup stay looking good all day, you need to ‘set’ it. Basically, a very gentle layer of powder all over your face will soak up extra shine and lock your foundation in place, but won’t make you look caked on. Really focus on the parts of your face that get oily your forehead, your nose. You’re aiming for that lovely, smooth, matte look that was so typical of makeup in the fifties, keeping everything refined and stopping it from sliding around as the hours go by.
Wrap Up
One last thought. Balance everything. The key is clean skin, a sharp line of eyeliner, and strong lips. Don’t mix the heavier techniques of today with this look.
And if you do it properly, 1950s makeup is graceful, uncomplicated, and it’s still lovely now.