Makeup Time Machine Vol. 2

As promised, we continue exploring vintage makeup looks :) 

The 1950s  

          

For the 50s there are two words that describe the popular look best – Marilyn Monroe. Color movies came about and with that the notion that women need to be flawless at all times. Foundation and powder were applied in natural shades but thick layers, so that imperfections can me concealed. Blush was rosy or peach in color. Eye shadows were glimmer and glamorous in colors like gold, grey and silver, but you got bonus points for extra sparkle. Eyeliner was dramatic and very black, together with the mascara. As for the lips – they were cherry or bright red. But really, for reference just check any photo pf Marilyn.

The 1960s

The sixties brought us the miniskirts and the first super model Twiggy. Again the way she looked is the emblem of the 60s beauty. Foundation was applied in thinner layers and natural shades. Blush was very light, very natural again and almost unnoticeable. The eyes, however, is where it gets interesting. In the 60s eye shadows started being mixed for the first time. Lighter colors were used as a base than different highlights were created with 2 or 3 darker colors. The darkest was used to highlight the crease of the eye, sometimes in a very defined and dramatic manner. Eyeliner was black and was used on both the upper and the lower lid – thin in the inner corners and thicker in the outer ones. They used a lot of mascara – more than one coat for sure, so that lashes are very black and dramatic. And here is where we go from red lips to pale lips – with nude lipstick or clear gloss.

The 1970s

The 70s came with the era of disco and movies like Saturday Night Fever. So, of course, big hair was a thing, but it went with a much more minimalistic look for the face. Women became more aware of skin care and started using a lot of moisturizers and products to protect, rather than cover up their skin. Foundation was used very lightly, or none at all, and same went for blush. For the eyes bright shadows were used, together with naturally-colored eyeliner and mascara, instead of the intense black. Some sparkle on the face was welcome for a night out. For the lips important was the wet-looking effect, that is why often times gloss was applied over the lipstick.

The 1980s

The rise of Madonna together with brighter, bigger and definitely blonder fashion… Concealer started being used to a great extent. Foundation was in natural shades and bronzer became a popular product in the drugstores, but still many opted for blush. Eye shadows were bright and often did not go with one another, and neon colors were completely okay for a night out. As for eyeliner and mascara – again black and again lots of product was applied. Pinks and reds were used for the lips, again with gloss on top.

The 1990s

The decade that gave birth to me. Many movie and music icons became popular over the 90s, but in terms of makeup it seems like it was the first time no set rules applied. A lot of subcultures appeared so it was up to the woman to decide which one, if any, she wanted to follow. One thing was for sure, the bright overuse of colors from the 80s was over. A considerable amount of grungy-looking ladies appeared, which together with the rising skinniness of models resulted in the “heroine chic” look. Gothic style also made quite an appearance with its all black everything. But as a whole women seemed to be counting more and more on naturally matching makeup or whatever it was that made them feel confident and self-expressed.

This was our look back on the 19^th century and what we today consider as vintage. It seems like things have more and more been going towards freedom of taste and choice, so I doubt there will be such dramatic and strict trends to follow like in the 50s or 60s for example, but who knows. Still, there is something to learn from every time period, even if it has to do with beauty. What is your favorite vintage look? Tell me about it in the comment section below.