How To Create A Perfect Vintage Look
Do you want to know how to do 1920s makeup so you can flaunt your flapper style? There are five key elements to pull off this style and make it work for you. When you know them you can whip out a vintage make up look, put on your flapper dress and have a great time. You might even decide to transform this style into one that works for you for everyday wear. Take out your makeup kit and get ready to have some fun.
Pro Tips For 1920s Makeup Style
Let’s start by breaking down this look. The thing you probably notice first is the highly stylized thin eyebrows and the red well-defined lips, blush and of course her perfect complexion. The five elements of this style are explained below. You might want to take moment to pull out a blank face chart and sketch this one in.
You can make a face chart that looks exactly like you. Click here!
Take a look at the top photo of the model wearing 1920s makeup. This list explains what you’ll want to take notice of and make your own:
- It’s not just that the eyebrows are thin, but notice that they extend beyond the eye itself. They’re exaggerated ever so slightly. The line is even in width. Today’s style is for eyebrows to be thicker towards the center of the nose whereas the model’s is even. Also notice the high arch.
- Lips from this era were also well defined. You’ve heard of the cupid bow lips. For everyday wear and evening make up styles the lipstick was brushed on in such a way that the upper lip was emphasized. This was pretty makeup at it’s best and you’ll still see this for evening and formal styles. Yes, dark red lipstick as well as lighter shades took center stage, but so did dark berry colors.
- Smokey eyes were the order of the day and there’s not much difference between yesterday and what works for today in terms of fall makeup and evening wear. In fact, some of what we would consider gothic eyeshadow application was in vogue during that decade. What makes this look work is the use of dark grays and even some deeper violet shadows.
- Rouge was the hot product and used in place of blush. It was a tricky product and not always easy to apply. It had a tendency to look blotchy. Today we have blush and it provides more choices in terms of application. It’s also a much sheerer cosmetic unless you’re buying a high definition blush.
- Powder up. Chances are that your great-grandmother wanted to make sure she had her powder compact with her along with her favorite red lipstick. They used powder to even out their complexions much like we use sheer foundations. It was just enough to look good without giving them a heavy look.
Now that you know the five key elements, let’s take a look at how to make them work for you. If you want to create a vintage flapper costume you may want to emphasize the eyebrows and lips. If you want to take part of this look and work it into your own style then choose just one element to work with.
How To Do 1920s Makeup Step-by-Step
Going wild means a little over the top. When you want to have a style that works for parties then application with cosmetics you normally use can work. Grab your cosmetics kit and take your favorite eyeshadow pencils, lipstick brush and favorite berry lipstick colors. If you have long wearing lipstick that’s even better.
Start by using a foundation makeup primer. When you apply high pigment cosmetics they can sometimes leave a trace of color after you wash your face at the end of the day. By using a primer there will be a layer between your face and the color cosmetics. That means it will be easier to remove.
1 By focusing on your eyes first it will help you determine how much blush and lipstick color you will need later. Apply eye primer if you have not already done so. For eyebrows like these you’ll need to use an opaque concealer with a brush. Brush a line of concealer just under your own eyebrows and work up until you have a thin line.
2 To further define the arch of the eyebrow, take a brown eyebrow pencil and extend the line from inner eyebrow area to slightly beyond the outside. Make sure the eyebrow line points downward.
3 Apply a thin layer of one color of gray eyeshadow. You might like to try a cream eyeshadow or use an eyeshadow palette with smokey colors. By doing so you’ll have the option of a highlighter color to set off your eyes. See how to do a smokey eyes.
4 Use a black eyeliner pencil and line both the top and bottom of your eyelids. Gel eyeliner works best for a look that lasts all night.
5 For cupid bow lips use two cosmetics – a lipstick pencil and a matte lipstick. Place a dot at the top of your each place where your lips naturally show an arch. Take your lipstick pencil and draw a V shape between those arches. Extend the line from the outside to the outer corners of your lips. That’s the easiest way to create the bow. Line your lower lips. Use a lip brush to pick up color from your lipstick and fill in your lips.
Makeup Tip: Make this last by using a lipstick stain pen. The color will deposit a stain and then you can top that with a lipstick. You won’t have to worry about your lipstick coming off when you pick drink from a glass.
6 Now that you’ve applied your color cosmetics it’s time for a little powder and to take a look at how much blush you’ll need. Blush with this look is optional. If you want your cheekbones to stand out then layer the blush. Use a cream blush and then top with a layer of powder blush.
7 Cake mascara that comes with a little brush can be fun to experiment with. I prefer to use the lash thickening mascara with a wand. It’s easier, less messy and it stays in place.
Stepping back in time is a great way to reconnect to a past era, but be warned.
Once you wear a 1920s makeup style you’ll be hooked. It’s seriously addictive!