When one thinks of the 1950s, the image that comes to mind is of movie stars on the silver screen or elegant homemakers. It was an era of sophistication and femininity, and the ’50s makeup era was no different. Through these seven iconic 1950s makeup trends, let’s discover in this very article what defines an era. Whether you’re an experienced makeup lover or just curious about the area of vintage beauty, they will manage to keep your attention.
Table of Contents
7 Iconic 1950s Makeup Trends
Bold Red Lips
One of the most iconic 1950s makeup looks is the bold red lip. This trend was popularized by Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. The red lip was a symbol of glamour and confidence. Women used matte, long-lasting lipsticks to achieve that perfect pout.
To recreate this look, start with a lip liner to define your lips, then fill them in with a rich, red lipstick. A tip for making it last longer is to blot your lips with a tissue and apply a second coat.
Cat-Eye Eyeliner
Another hallmark of 1950s makeup is the cat-eye eyeliner. This look involves drawing a thick line along the upper lash line and extending it outward to create a winged effect. Audrey Hepburn was a master of this style, which added a touch of drama to her eyes.
For a precise application, use a liquid or gel eyeliner. Begin at the inner corner of your eye and gradually thicken the line as you move outward. The key is to practice steady hands and symmetrical wings.
Flawless Complexion
In the 1950s, a flawless complexion was essential. Women aimed for a smooth, matte finish using foundation, powder, and concealer. The goal was to create a perfect canvas for the rest of the makeup.
To achieve this look, start with a primer to smooth your skin, then apply a full-coverage foundation. Set it with a translucent powder to avoid any shine. Concealer was used to hide blemishes and dark circles, ensuring a flawless finish.
Arched Brows
Well-defined, arched eyebrows were a staple in 1950s makeup. Actresses like Grace Kelly and Ava Gardner had impeccably groomed brows that framed their faces beautifully. The arches were often high and dramatic.
To get this look, use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in your brows. Focus on creating a high arch and taper the ends for a clean finish. A brow gel can help keep stray hairs in place.
Rosy Cheeks
Blush played a significant role in the 1950s makeup routine. The aim was to achieve a healthy, rosy glow that added warmth to the face. Pink and peach tones were the most popular choices.
Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upward towards your temples. Cream blushes work well for a natural look, while powder blushes can provide a more matte finish.
Subtle Eyeshadow
Unlike the bold eyeshadow trends of the 1980s, makeup in the 1950s favored subtle, neutral shades. Light browns, beiges, and soft pinks were commonly used to enhance the eyes without overpowering them.
To recreate this look, apply a light eyeshadow base across your eyelids. Add a slightly darker shade to the crease for depth, and finish with a highlight on the brow bone. This approach keeps the focus on the eyeliner and lashes.
Voluminous Lashes
Long, voluminous lashes were a must-have in the 1950s. Women often used false lashes to achieve this look, making their eyes appear larger and more alluring. Mascara was applied generously to both the upper and lower lashes.
For this trend, consider using a volumizing mascara. If you want to go the extra mile, apply individual false lashes to the outer corners of your eyes for added drama.
FAQ
Q: How do I make my 1950s makeup last all day?
A: For a 1950s makeup look, make sure you create a base for it with primer—it’s smooth. On top of that, the day-lasting products are applied in their matte finish, which you set with translucent powder. Remember to bring compact powder and lipstick with you for corrections.
Q: Will 1950s makeup trends look suitable for day-to-day wear?
A: Absolutely! A lot of 1950s makeup translates into wearable day looks; bold red lips, cat-eye, etc. The trick is just to balance the bold elements with other, more subtle makeup, so you don’t look like you tried too hard.
Q: Can you recommend modern products that duplicate the 1950s makeup look?
A: Walk around, and everyone will notice how much beauty brands sell vintage makeup. Matte red lipsticks, liquid liners for sharp cat eyes, and brow kits for that perfect arch are all the rage. Some brands even offer collections of retro beauty.
Conclusion
The era of 1950s makeup was just such a classic and ageless era to draw inspiration from for the beauty lover. From bold red lips to perfectly arched brows, these iconic trends inspire modern makeup looks. You can achieve this touch of vintage glamour with such routine additions to attain a very high standard of styling. So why not unleash your inner Hollywood siren and put these classic 1950s makeup trends to the test?