The 1930s Makeup Look
As the world transitioned from the raucous Roaring Twenties to the more subdued 1930s, the sphere of beauty and fashion underwent its own transformation. The Great Depression that defined the beginning of the 1930s had an undeniable impact on makeup trends, leading to a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Although economic hardships prevailed, women found ways to maintain a sense of glamour and style in their daily lives, often turning to the silver screen for inspiration.
Hollywood’s Golden Age was in full swing, and the movie stars of the time—like Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, and Bette Davis—were setting the standard for beauty. The 1930s makeup look was characterized by an evolution towards a more natural face, compared to the dramatic styles of the previous decade. A softer approach to eye makeup, a touch of rouge to accentuate the cheekbones, and more attention to a well-defined lip shape were the hallmarks of this era’s cosmetics.
In this introduction to 1930s makeup, we’ll explore how the elegance of the period was crafted through subtle shades and meticulous application, creating an iconic look that reflected both a desire for escapism and the resilience of beauty during challenging times.
The 1930s makeup look was heavily influenced by Hollywood’s Golden Age, and it showcased an evolution from the bold statements of the 1920s to a more natural and sophisticated style that still retained elements of glamor. Here are some key features and characteristics of the 1930s makeup look:
Eye Makeup:
In the 1930s, eye makeup took a turn towards the soft and alluring, moving away from the heavy kohl-rimmed eyes of the previous decade. Eyeshadows came in delicate shades of blue, green, pink, and purple, which were applied with a light hand to extend subtly beyond the natural contours of the eye in pear-shaped sweeps. This created a dreamy, romantic look that was further accentuated by the era’s trademark pencil-thin eyebrows, plucked almost out of existence and drawn in with a dramatic arch. Mascara became a vital component of the beauty routine, helping to define and lengthen lashes for a more captivating gaze. The overall effect of the 1930s eye makeup was one of sophistication and enchantment, mirroring the Hollywood screen stars who helped popularize these trends.
Eyeliner pencil:
it was a standard beauty must-have in the 1930s. Often, the entire upper and lower lid were lined in brown grease-pencil.
The eyebrows:
the 1930s are an iconic symbol of the era’s beauty ideals, markedly different from the fuller, more natural brows seen today. Women of the 1930s preferred their eyebrows skinny and dramatically arched, emulating the silver screen sirens whose penciled, high-arching brows conveyed a sense of elegance and sophistication. This style often required plucking the natural brow line to near extinction before drawing a slender, elongated line that peaked at the arch. The thin brows were meant to convey a permanently surprised or intrigued expression, adding to the theatrical glamor that was so coveted during this time. While these brows might seem extreme by modern standards, they are a testament to the enduring influence of Hollywood on beauty trends, and they continue to be recognized as a distinct characteristic of 1930s glamour.
1930S MAKEUP EYELASHES:
Dark lashes were desired, and henna was often used to create a long-lasting stain. Sleek and slim lines were preferred, and thick lashes were not the desired look. The look of the era was a defined, separated lash that could be sharp or curled, with an emphasis on the individual lashes standing clearly in a stark row.
Complexion:
- A pale and even complexion was favored, which set the stage for the rest of the makeup. This effect was achieved through powders and foundations; Max Factor’s Pan-Cake foundation, developed during the late 1930s for the burgeoning color film industry, became popular for creating a flawless look on and off-screen.
he Pan cake foundation was popularized by Hollywood makeup artist Max Factor who used it on many actresses. It finally became commercially available in 1937, much to the joy of many women.
The foundation was seen as classy and elegant. Applied with a brush, it gave the skin a matte finish. Of course, this was essential for actresses appearing on the screen. However, regular women adopted it just the same, and it became a widely popular look.
To achieve this look, white or ivory powder, or special rice powder, was applied on top of a “vanishing cream.” It was often used together with rouge, although rouge was used sparingly. Rouge had fallen out of vogue by the 1930s, so very little of it was used to achieve a slightly flushed look.
Lips:
- Lip shapes were well-defined, with the upper lip often accentuated to create a bow shape, sometimes called the “Cupid’s Bow.”
- Lipstick shades typically included fire-red, scarlet, and various dark red hues, applied to mimic the glamorous styles seen in cinema.
The 1930s heralded a dynamic period for lipstick hues, with a vibrant revival and expansion of the color palette. Maroons and dark reds dominated the scene, while shades of orange and various berry tones added diversity to the beauty landscape of the era. Matching lips to nails became de rigueur, giving rise to coordinated sets of lipstick and nail polish, enhancing the overall elegance of women’s fashion.
Lip shapes evolved towards a more elongated and refined silhouette, partly influenced by the cinematic icon Joan Crawford. The technique often involved applying a rich layer of color on the upper lip within its natural pigmentation area to create an illusion of fullness.
Red lipstick was the go-to choice for everyday wear, meticulously applied with a brush, blotted, and reapplied to achieve a lasting effect due to the dense formulations of the time.
Signature lipstick styles that emerged during this period included:
- Noir Red: A dark, plummy red that captured the essence of early 1930s glamour, especially among the evening crowd.
- Carmine: From 1931, this vivacious orange-red hue brought a luminous daytime vibrancy to the wearer’s appearance.
- Merlot: Introduced in 1933, this deep brown-red became synonymous with sophisticated daywear.
- Cherry Red: A quintessential, sumptuous cherry red that gained acclaim in the latter part of the decade.
- Tango Red: By 1939, this understated peach-pink shade offered a soft and subtle option for daytime looks.
The 1930s woman epitomized class and elegance with a touch of playful charm, reflecting the shifting sentiments of the time. Her style would largely be at home in contemporary aesthetics, save for the razor-thin brows that were emblematic of her time.
Cake Mascara:
Cake mascara, a wax-based cosmetic, was a popular choice for achieving voluminous lashes during its heyday. This product came in a solid form, housed in a pot or tray, and required application with a dedicated brush.
The appeal of cake mascara lay in its unique formulation. Unlike contemporary liquid mascaras, its wax base prevented it from drying out or creating unsightly clumps, and its waterproof nature made it incredibly durable. The main challenge with this type of mascara was its application; it tended to be a bit messy and demanded a certain level of skill to apply effectively.
Despite the initial learning curve, those who mastered the use of cake mascara were rewarded with a stunning, dramatic look that became a staple among the era’s celebrities for any public appearance.
Cheeks:
- Rouge was used to accentuate cheekbones subtly, contributing to the overall refined look.
Cosmetic Harmony:
- The concept of “cosmetic harmony” was prevalent, meaning that the colors used in makeup were chosen to complement each other and create a cohesive look.
The overall makeup style of the 1930s exudes a sense of understated glamor and femininity, heavily inspired by the era’s screen sirens and tailored to project a sense of escapism and elegance amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression.