The 1950s Makeup Look: A Decade of Glamour and Elegance
The 1950s era is often remembered as a time of prosperity and the golden age of glamour. In the world of beauty, this decade heralded an iconic makeup style that exuded femininity, sophistication, and a touch of Hollywood dazzle. It was the era of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor – stars who became beauty icons and whose makeup looks have transcended time.
The decade of the 1950s was a pivotal moment in the beauty industry, where the allure of Hollywood and the rituals of daily grooming intersected to create makeup trends that exuded glamour and sophistication. Iconic makeup styles, characterized by bold red lips and meticulously defined cat eyes, became the hallmark of this era’s aesthetic. These classic looks have not only withstood the test of time but also continue to inspire contemporary beauty enthusiasts.
In the following exploration, we delve into the quintessential 1950s makeup looks, offering insights on how these influential styles can be seamlessly incorporated into today’s beauty routines, infusing a touch of vintage charm into modern glamour.
Flawless Complexion 1950’s Foundation:
In the 1950s, the base of any makeup look was a flawless, matte complexion, which was achieved through the meticulous application of foundation and powder. The foundation used during this era was typically cream-based, offering a full-coverage look that aimed to hide imperfections and even out skin tone. This was often followed by a generous dusting of loose, finely-milled powder to set the foundation, ensuring a porcelain-like finish that remained in place throughout the day. Unlike the dewy, natural finishes sought after in contemporary beauty standards, the 1950s favored a more polished and sculpted visage, with the powder helping to create a soft-focus effect that was both sophisticated and unmistakably glamorous. The overall aim was to craft a canvas that looked as impeccable and smooth as Hollywood’s leading stars on the silver screen.
1950S EYESHADOW :
In the early 1940s, eye shadow was more of a subtle enhancement than a bold fashion choice. Women were advised to apply it sparingly, aiming for a natural look that merely suggested depth rather than making a colorful statement. However, as the 1950s unfolded, this trend transformed dramatically. Eye shadow became a vibrant accessory, coordinated with elements of one’s wardrobe and interior decor, such as couches, curtains, footwear, and purses. Shades like dusty purple, violet, ice blue, silver, light or dark green, teal, and gold rose to popularity. During the day, selecting an eye shadow that complemented one’s natural eye color was the norm, while evening looks often featured a hint of silver to accentuate lighter eyes or gold for a touch of warmth in darker eyes.
Eye shadows were available in various forms, including powder, liquid, and cream, each providing different benefits. Cream and liquid textures offered smoother application and more precise control. In her book Beauty is Not an Age (1955), Eleanor Arnett advised caution with eye shadow application to avoid looking worn out. According to Arnett, eye shadow should be applied lightly to only the lower portion of the upper eyelid to maintain a fresh appearance, unless one was youthful enough to pull off more adventurous styles. However, some beauty enthusiasts advocated for blending the shadow up towards the brow line for a more dramatic effect. As the ’50s progressed, the recommended quantity of eye shadow application also increased.
For proper application, one would gently rub the shadow into the skin of the lower eyelid using a finger, extending it about 1/8 inch from the lash line and just beyond the outer corner for a soft wingspan. The pinky finger was suggested for fine-tuning the edges. For those with smaller eyes, it was common to extend the shadow slightly past the crease for added emphasis. Conversely, those with deep-set eyes were encouraged to apply more product to the upper lid, as shadow on the lower lid could go unnoticed.
During the daytime or for teenage girls, a dab of Vaseline could serve as a subtle alternative to eye shadow, offering a hint of sheen without the addition of color.
1950S EYEBROWS :
Women seeking a more natural appearance or preferring not to use an eyebrow pencil were advised to enhance their brows by grooming them into their most flattering natural shape. A popular technique involved lightly brushing the brows with a small amount of soap, which helped to keep them neat while also imparting a slightly darker shade compared to untreated brows. Alternatives to soap included using Vaseline or olive oil, both of which could tame and subtly deepen the color of the eyebrows without resorting to makeup pencils.
1950S EYELINER :
The doe-eyed wing tip aesthetic initially emerged in the late 1940s and by the following decade, it had become a defining beauty trend. To achieve this look, the application of eyeliner begins at the center of the eyelid, extending outwards just past the edge. The line concludes with a gentle upward flick, forming a modest triangular shape when viewed from the side. By the mid-1950s, this look evolved into what is now known as the cat-eye, characterized by a more pronounced, elongated stroke that reaches towards the edge of the eye socket. The inception point of the liner shifted to the inner corner of the eye, allowing for a continuous sweep across the lid.
The cat-eye style boasted numerous variations, including adjustments to the line’s length, width, and the degree of the end flick. Even color played a significant role in personalization; black eyeliner became the go-to choice for those with black or dark brown hair, while brown shades were suggested for individuals with blonde or red hair.
1950S EYELASHES :
In the 1950s, eyelashes played a subtle but crucial role in the era’s glamorous makeup looks. Unlike today’s penchant for dramatic volume, the emphasis then was on achieving a natural yet defined appearance. Women would often use mascara, which became more popular during this time due to advancements in the formula making it smoother and easier to apply.
The preferred shades were usually black or brown, coordinating with hair color to enhance the eyes subtly. False eyelashes were not as ubiquitous as they are today, but when used, they were typically reserved for special occasions and were less voluminous, aiming to add length rather than thickness. The goal was to create a demure frame for the eyes that complemented the winged eyeliner and well-groomed eyebrows, hallmarks of the quintessential 1950s beauty look. Carefully applied mascara with a focus on separating the lashes would finish the eye makeup, contributing to the wide-eyed and elegant aesthetic of the decade.
1950S MASCARA:
During the 1950s, mascara solidified its place as a beauty staple in the makeup arsenals of women around the globe. The decade saw significant improvements in mascara formulations, transitioning from the cake mascaras of earlier years to the more convenient tube and wand applicators that offered easier, smoother application.
This era favored a clean and classic look, so mascara was used primarily to darken, define, and lightly thicken the lashes rather than create dramatic volume. Black was the dominant color choice for those seeking a striking contrast, particularly popular among movie stars, while softer shades like brown were chosen by women aiming for a more understated elegance. Mascaras during this time were often advertised with promises of waterproof or smudge-proof properties, catering to the desire for a long-lasting, sophisticated eye look that could withstand the rigors of the day without frequent touch-ups. The emphasis on eyes that were enhanced but not overdone aligned perfectly with the polished, feminine aesthetic that defined the beauty trends of the 1950s.
1950S LIPSTICK :
The allure of 1950s lipstick resided in its rich, bold colors and the promise of a perfect pout that epitomized the feminine ideal of the decade. Red was the quintessential shade, ranging from deep crimson to brighter cherry hues, embodying the post-war era’s penchant for glamour and sophistication.
Lipstick formulas of the time were creamier and more pigmented than their predecessors, offering better coverage and longer-lasting wear. Brands like Revlon and Max Factor became household names, often using Hollywood starlets in their advertising to showcase the transformative power of their products.
The application of lipstick was an art form, with women meticulously outlining their lips with a pencil before filling them in to achieve the iconic full-lipped look.
This sculpted style, often accompanied by a subtle sheen, not only complemented the dramatic eye makeup of the period but also served as a statement of femininity and confidence during a time of cultural and social growth for women.
1950S Powders :
In the 1950s, facial powders were an essential component of the makeup routine, reflecting the decade’s aesthetic that championed a matte, flawless complexion.
Both loose and pressed powders were popular, serving as the finishing touch to set foundation and minimize shine for a porcelain-like effect. The powders of the era were often tinted to match the wearer’s skin tone, enhancing the skin’s natural beauty while maintaining a subtle and polished look. Women would carry pressed powder compacts adorned with intricate designs, making them both a beauty necessity and a fashion accessory for touch-ups throughout the day. These compacts were symbols of elegance and were proudly displayed and used in public. Translucent powders also gained popularity as they provided a way to control shine without adding additional color. Major cosmetic companies such as Coty and Elizabeth Arden were at the forefront, offering a range of powder products that promised a refined complexion in line with the dignified and composed female image of the 1950s.
1950S ROUGE OR BLUSH :
In the 1950s, rouge, or blush as it’s more commonly called today, was a staple of a woman’s beauty regimen, utilized to bring a healthy, natural glow to the cheeks in an era that celebrated classic femininity.
The preferred application was a subtle sweep of color to accentuate the cheekbones, which perfectly complemented the matte finish of powders and foundations of the time. Cream blushes were favored for their ability to blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a more natural flush, while powder blushes were used for their convenience and longevity. The shades typically ranged from soft pinks to warm peaches, with bolder reds less common but still used for a more dramatic evening look. Blush was seen as a way to infuse life into the complexion, countering the pale, matte base and creating a youthful and vibrant appearance. Iconic cosmetic brands like Revlon and Estée Lauder were at the forefront,
crafting products that not only enhanced beauty but also emanated luxury and desirability, further cementing rouge’s place in the cosmetic bags of women during the conservative yet burgeoning societal landscape of the 1950s.
Conclusion :
The 1950s makeup look represents a quintessential era in beauty that was defined by its polished and glamorous aesthetic, a stark contrast to the more reserved styles of the previous decade. As the austerity of the war years faded, the 1950s welcomed a time of economic boom and celebrated femininity with luxurious and bolder cosmetic choices.
Women of this period favored a more dramatic appearance, with a flawless complexion achieved through the use of creamier, heavier foundations and a touch of rosy blush to enliven the cheeks. Eyebrows remained full but were more sculpted and defined than in the 1940s, often filled in with pencil to create a desirable arch.
Eye makeup became a focal point with colors like blues, greens, and pinks for shadows, applied in a fashion that accentuated the eyelid crease. Eyeliner was used to create the classic ‘winged’ effect, and lashes were heavily coated with mascara or even enhanced with false eyelashes for a more glamorous evening look.
Lips were sculpted with lip liners to create the coveted voluptuous shape, and lipstick shades ranged from bright reds to rich plums and playful pinks, all ensuring that the lips stood out as an ultimate statement of 1950s allure.
The 1950s makeup look was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, reflecting the era’s post-war optimism and the cultural shift towards consumerism and television glamor. It set a standard of beauty that celebrated and idolized Hollywood starlets, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire makeup trends and enthusiasts today.