How to Do 1950s Makeup and Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering 1950s makeup and hair brings a timeless elegance to your look. This guide will take you through each step, ensuring you achieve that perfect vintage charm. Whether you’re prepping for a themed event or just love the nostalgic allure of the 1950s, this guide will help you recreate the era’s classic beauty trends.

1. The Foundation of a Flawless Base

Creating the right foundation is key to achieving that smooth, porcelain complexion characteristic of the 1950s.

1. Choose a Full-Coverage Foundation: Opt for a matte finish foundation that matches your skin tone. The goal is to create a flawless, even complexion reminiscent of the Hollywood starlets of the time. Apply the foundation with a makeup sponge or brush, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the face. The matte finish was preferred in the 1950s, giving the skin a velvety, polished look that photographs beautifully.
2. Conceal Imperfections: Apply a cream concealer under the eyes, on blemishes, and around the nose. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines. The 1950s look demanded perfection, so take the time to cover any redness, dark circles, or imperfections. Use a shade lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area and give your face a subtle lift.
3. Set with Powder: Lightly dust a translucent powder over your face to set the foundation and reduce shine. This will give you that velvety finish that’s essential for the 1950s look. Pay special attention to your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) where oiliness tends to occur. The powder not only mattifies but also helps your makeup last longer, giving you that all-day freshness.

2. Crafting Perfectly Arched Eyebrows

Brows in the 1950s were well-groomed, defined, and had a noticeable arch. Achieving this look is crucial to nailing the vintage aesthetic.

1. Shape Your Brows: Use tweezers to pluck any stray hairs and define the arch. The goal is a clean, sharp brow line that frames your face perfectly. Unlike the fuller brows of the 1980s or the more natural brows of today, the 1950s favored a more defined, sculpted look. If your brows are naturally thin, consider using a brow stencil to help guide the shape.
2. Fill in the Brows: With an eyebrow pencil that matches your hair color, fill in the brows with light, short strokes. Emphasize the arch but keep it natural. The strokes should mimic natural hair for a soft, yet defined look. If your brows are sparse, don’t be afraid to build up the color gradually. A well-filled brow was essential to achieving that polished 1950s face.
3. Set with Brow Gel: Use a clear brow gel to set the shape in place. This ensures your brows remain perfectly styled all day. The gel not only holds the hairs in place but also adds a subtle sheen, which gives the brows a groomed, finished look.

3. Iconic Eyes: The Winged Liner Look

The cat-eye or winged liner is a defining feature of 1950s makeup. This look accentuates the eyes and adds a touch of drama.

1. Apply a Neutral Eyeshadow Base: Start with a light, neutral eyeshadow on the lids. This will provide a smooth base for the eyeliner. In the 1950s, eye makeup was subtle yet structured, often using shades of beige, cream, or light brown to define the eyes without overpowering the liner.
2. Create the Winged Liner: Using a liquid or gel eyeliner, draw a thin line starting from the inner corner of the eye, gradually thickening as you reach the outer corner. Extend the line slightly beyond the lash line to create a subtle wing. The key to a perfect cat-eye is precision, so take your time. Start with a small wing and build it up gradually, keeping the line close to the lash line for that classic look.
3. Curl and Coat the Lashes: Curl your lashes and apply two coats of black mascara. For an authentic 1950s look, consider adding false lashes for extra volume. The lashes should be long and full, giving your eyes that wide, doe-eyed effect that was popular in the era. If using false lashes, choose a style that adds length and volume without looking overly dramatic.

4. Adding a Touch of Color with Blush

Blush adds a natural flush to the cheeks, an essential element in achieving the 1950s makeup look.

1. Select a Rosy Blush: Choose a pink or peach blush that complements your skin tone. The blush should give you a healthy, radiant glow, reminiscent of the fresh-faced beauty ideal of the time. Avoid overly bright or bold shades; the blush should look natural and soft.
2. Apply to the Apples of the Cheeks: Smile and apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards the temples. The color should look natural, as if you’re blushing from within. The blush placement is crucial in achieving that youthful, feminine look that defined the era. Blend well to ensure there are no harsh lines.

5. The Perfect Red Lip

A bold red lip is synonymous with 1950s glamour. It’s the statement feature of this look and should be executed with precision.

1. Line the Lips: Start by lining your lips with a red lip liner. This step prevents feathering and helps define the shape. The liner should match your lipstick shade to create a seamless look. Start by outlining your cupid’s bow, then follow the natural line of your lips, slightly exaggerating the shape if you want a fuller look.
2. Apply Red Lipstick: Fill in your lips with a matching red lipstick. For a long-lasting finish, blot with a tissue and reapply a second layer. The color should be vibrant and rich, the kind of red that demands attention. In the 1950s, red lips were a symbol of femininity and confidence. Choose a lipstick with a matte or satin finish to keep it authentic.
3. Highlight the Cupid’s Bow: To add a touch of dimension, apply a small amount of highlighter to your cupid’s bow. This will make your lips appear fuller and more defined. It’s a small detail, but it adds a lot to the overall look, making your lips the centerpiece of your face.

6. Vintage Hair: The Classic Pin Curls

1950s hair is all about volume and curls. Pin curls are the perfect method to achieve this classic look.

1. Prep the Hair: Start with damp hair. Apply a setting lotion or mousse to help the curls hold their shape. The setting lotion will not only help the curls set but also give them that bouncy, structured look that was iconic in the 1950s.
2. Create the Pin Curls: Divide your hair into small sections. Twist each section around your finger, forming a loop, and pin it flat against your scalp. Continue until all your hair is pinned up. The smaller the sections, the tighter the curls, so choose the size based on how tight you want your curls to be. For authentic 1950s curls, aim for medium-sized sections.
3. Let the Curls Set: Allow the curls to set overnight or speed up the process with a hairdryer. Once dry, carefully remove the pins. Patience is key here; letting the curls set properly ensures they’ll last longer and maintain their shape throughout the day.
4. Brush and Style: Gently brush out the curls to create soft waves. For an authentic 1950s look, focus on volume at the crown and sweep the curls to one side. Use a paddle brush to gently shape the curls into waves, creating that soft, glamorous look that defined the era.
5. Set with Hairspray: Finish the style with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place. The hairspray will not only hold the style but also add a glossy finish, making your hair shine with that vintage luster.

7. The Victory Roll

For a more dramatic hairstyle, the victory roll is a quintessential 1950s hair style that adds flair and sophistication.

1. Section the Hair: Start by sectioning off the top portion of your hair. The size of the section will depend on how large you want your roll. The victory roll is typically done on both sides of the head, so ensure the sections are even.
2. Tease for Volume: Tease the section of hair at the roots to create volume. This will help the roll maintain its shape and give it that distinctive height. Use a fine-tooth comb for teasing and be gentle to avoid damaging your hair.
3. Roll the Hair: Smooth the hair with a comb and begin to roll it upwards, towards the scalp. Secure the roll with bobby pins. The roll should be tight and structured, sitting elegantly on the top of your head. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.
4. Repeat on the Other Side: For a symmetrical look, repeat the process on the other side of your head. The victory rolls should mirror each other, creating a balanced, classic look.
5. Smooth and Secure: Smooth any flyaways and finish with hairspray to hold the rolls in place. A firm-hold hairspray will keep the rolls intact and add a bit of shine.

8. The Finishing Touch: Accessories

Accessories play a significant role in completing your 1950s makeup and hair look, adding that final touch of authenticity and style.

1. Add a Hair Scarf or Bandana: Tie a hair scarf or bandana around your head for a playful, retro vibe. This was a popular accessory in the 1950s, often used to protect curls or simply add a pop of color to the hairstyle.
2. Incorporate a Decorative Comb: Slide a decorative comb or barrette into your hair for a touch of elegance. These accessories were often used to add a bit of sparkle or to keep the hair in place.
3. Complete the Look with Pearl Earrings: Pearl earrings were a staple in the 1950s. They add a touch of class and complement the overall vintage aesthetic. Pearls were seen as the epitome of sophistication and were worn both casually and formally.

9. Maintaining the Look

To ensure your hard work lasts, here are some tips for maintaining your 1950s makeup and hair throughout the day:

• Blot, Don’t Powder: Use blotting papers to remove excess oil without adding more powder, which can cake the makeup. Blotting keeps your makeup looking fresh without overloading your skin with product.
• Carry a Compact Mirror: Keep a compact mirror on hand for quick touch-ups. This allows you to check your makeup and hair throughout the day and make any necessary adjustments.
• Use a Setting Spray: A makeup setting spray will help lock in your look, keeping it fresh for hours. Setting spray not only prolongs the wear of your makeup but also helps it withstand different weather conditions.
• Pin Curls Overnight: If you want to keep the curls intact, re-pin them at night and cover with a silk scarf to avoid frizz. This ensures your curls stay bouncy and fresh for the next day, reducing the need for restyling.

10. Embrace the 1950s Style

By following these steps, you’ll be able to recreate the iconic 1950s makeup and hair look with confidence. This style is all about embracing the elegance and charm of a bygone era, bringing a touch of vintage glamour to your modern life. Whether it’s for a special event, a themed party, or just because you love the classic beauty of the 1950s, this guide will help you achieve that perfect retro charm.

Enjoy the process of transforming into a 1950s icon, and remember, practice makes perfect. With each attempt, you’ll refine your technique, bringing you closer to mastering the timeless allure of 1950s beauty.