Makeup Time Machine Vol. 1

It is a common notion that fashion is something of a cycle, since there are certain trends that keep coming back around a little updated, but more or less the same. But there is this one word that I have seen so many times in fashion publications over the last few years that I can’t even count – “vintage.” Vintage seems to be making everything sound cooler. It brings class and a hipster feel to your look, it makes you feel a little more unique. How unique it is if everyone goes “vintage” is another topic… Nevertheless, I like most ladies, have a thing of vintage, because let’s face it, there were some really beautiful fashion pieces and makeup trends in the past. The winged eyeliner look that I have mastered for example comes from the pin-up girl era. The vintage craze inspired me for this post – a look back at how makeup was done in the beginning of the 19^th century. Let’s jump into the beauty time machine!

The 1920s

The so-called Roaring Twenties were a big thing for makeup, because that is when the pale face stopped being a must. In the past tan was considered to be reserved only for women from the lower classes, so white face was a beauty virtue. Then THE Coco Chanel appeared with a tan and set the trends for a bronzed face and body. As for eye makeup it was a lot and it was dark. Intense eyeliner, which at the time was called kohl, was smudged around the eyes like you would do smoky eyes today. Eye shadows were dark grey or green and covered the entire lid. Blush was highly visible on the apples of the cheeks, it was unblended. Red lipstick was a MUST! It was applied so that it makes a heart-shaped curve on the upper lip even if you naturally don’t have one.

The 1930s

In this decade Hollywood starlets became goddesses and Art Deco came into fame and became the style of everything. This was a time of real glamor. Face tan became a bit lighter again but not to the state where it has to be almost white. Eyebrows were groomed to be very thin and curved up, while sometimes they were concealed and drawn anew, if their natural shape did not match the trends. Eye shadows this time had bright and light colors like blue, green and violet. The eyeliner was very thing and slightly winged at the end. It was only applied on the upper lid, as with mascara that only went on the upper lashes. The lipstick was applied in more natural shapes, but pretty much stuck to shades of red.

The 1940s

As opposed to the previous two time periods, in the 40s the makeup style was all about being natural. This decade was known as the Golden Age of cinema, and that is when the obsession with the looks of movie starts started in full force. The combination of foundation, powder and blush was all blended aiming at creating a more natural look. For eye shadows were used earth tones like brown, gold and green in a quite minimalistic manner only as a highlight. The same went for eyeliner and mascara. Nothing was too bold or dramatic. Lipstick? Of course, all red, still. 

This was how the first half of this beauty century looked liked. Now how about the second? Vol. 2 coming right up.