1950s makeup tips and tricks will give you some of the best, most beautiful results, and is a good start to learning how to bring out your natural beauty.
I don’t know what it is about the 1950s that draws me in, but that era of makeup has always struck me. Old Hollywood glamour has a distinct beauty to it.
Let’s learn more about what they did in the 1950s and get a good dose of beauty tips. And maybe even some illusion makeup skills!
The makeup is classy and has a way of making anyone look fresh and beautiful. 1950s makeup is timeless.
How did they wear their makeup in the 1950s?
Some would say the makeup was simple, but I’m learning it was anything but.
Women took many steps to achieve their looks.
Marilyn Monroe is famously known for the numerous steps she’d take to achieve her signature look (more on that below).
I gathered a bunch of looks on Pinterest and included some classic 1950s zombie pinup looks. (You’re welcome, NME Box subscribers!)
The basics of 1950s makeup
In my research, I found several different ideas on what women did in the 1950s, but here is what I think they all agreed on:
Skin
The skin was flawless, and foundation was never cakey or fake looking.
Brows
Eyebrows were carefully shaped, arches natural, and the color always matched the natural brow color or was slightly darker. They never used black.
Lashes
Eyelashes were carefully combed and accentuated for a whispy, fluttery look. Mascara was not often used on the lower lid.
Liner
Eyeliner was used on the top lid and rarely on the bottom lid. Cat-eye looks were popular, which created an almond eye shape.
Shadow
Eyeshadow was used only for enhancement and for creating an almond eye shape. The most common colors used were brown and blue-grey.
Blush
Blush, or rouge as it was called, was used lightly to frame the face and was never brought in too close to the nose.
Lips
The lips kept their natural shape. Lip pencils were never taken outside the lip line but instead stayed within or on the natural line.
1950s Makeup Tutorials
I have a playlist of makeup tutorials that will get you started in the right direction. The first in the list is by Ern Westmore.
There’s a lot to learn from this video filmed in 1951.
Marilyn Monroe
I can’t possibly touch on 1950s makeup without talking about Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look.
This tutorial is given by Lisa Eldridge and is the best I’ve found at explaining what Marilyn did to achieve her looks. I was most fascinated by the tricks in the eyes. Take a look!
Products to Try This Look
I’ve gathered a few products you can get on Amazon to try out the 1950s makeup tutorials. There are tons of affordable options to choose from.
Did you know I’ll send you the makeup you need to create this and many other looks? Join NME Box, the monthly makeup effects box for creative makeup artists, by clicking here!