There’s something undeniably timeless about vintage makeup. From the winged eyeliner of the 1950s to the bold red lips of the 1940s, these looks exude a classic glamour that still captivates today. If you’ve ever dreamed of achieving that flawless vintage style, the good news is—it’s easier than you think!
In this guide, we’ll take you through five simple steps to achieve the perfect vintage makeup look, inspired by the beauty icons of the past. Ready to turn back the clock and channel your inner vintage goddess? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Perfect Your Complexion with a Flawless Base
Vintage beauty is all about a smooth, porcelain-like complexion. To achieve this, start by prepping your skin with a hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas.
Next, use a medium to full-coverage foundation in a matte finish to even out your skin tone. Vintage makeup looks typically favor a matte, powdery finish, so avoid overly dewy products. Blend your foundation well, and don’t forget to conceal any imperfections with a creamy concealer.
To set the base, apply a light dusting of translucent powder, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, like the T-zone. This will give your skin that soft, velvety texture iconic to vintage makeup.
Step 2: Sculpt Your Brows with Precision
In the golden era of vintage beauty, eyebrows were often bold and carefully defined. To capture this look, start by brushing your brows upward with a spoolie. Then, using a brow pencil or powder, fill in your brows with short, hair-like strokes to create a well-structured, slightly arched shape.
Keep in mind that vintage brows are less about thick, bushy styles and more about neat, defined lines. Make sure your brows are sculpted but not too heavy, as the focus should remain on the eyes and lips.
Step 3: Create the Perfect Winged Eyeliner
Perhaps the most recognizable element of a vintage makeup look is the iconic cat-eye or winged eyeliner. To achieve this, start with a liquid or gel eyeliner in deep black or dark brown.
- Begin at the inner corner of your upper lash line, drawing a thin line as close to the lashes as possible.
- Gradually thicken the line as you move toward the outer corner.
- Once you reach the outer corner, extend the line slightly upward to create a wing.
The length and thickness of your wing can be adjusted based on your preference, but for a true vintage feel, keep it sharp and elegant. A pro tip: if you’re new to winged eyeliner, use tape or a stencil to guide your line for a crisp, clean edge.
Step 4: Add Drama with Lashes and Mascara
Bold lashes are a must for any vintage look. Start by curling your lashes to open up your eyes, then apply a lengthening and volumizing mascara. Focus on the upper lashes to emphasize the wide-eyed look that was so popular in vintage makeup.
For extra drama, consider adding false lashes or individual lash clusters, particularly on the outer corners of your eyes. This gives that glamorous, fluttery effect that vintage icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn were famous for.
Step 5: Finish with Classic Red Lips
No vintage makeup look is complete without the iconic red lip! Choose a bold red lipstick with a matte or satin finish to channel that old-school Hollywood glamour. If you’re unsure about the shade, look for one with blue undertones, which flatters most skin tones.
- First, line your lips with a matching lip liner to create a clean, defined shape.
- Then, apply the lipstick using a lip brush for precision.
- To enhance that vintage pout, slightly overline the upper lip (Cupid’s bow) to give it a fuller, more pronounced look.
For a final touch, blot your lips with a tissue and reapply a second layer of lipstick to ensure long-lasting color. If you’re going for ultimate precision, clean up the edges with a bit of concealer on a small brush.
Conclusion:
Achieving a perfect vintage makeup look doesn’t have to be complicated. With these five easy steps, you can channel the elegance and glamour of a bygone era, whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or simply want to add a touch of vintage charm to your everyday style.
So, get your red lipstick and eyeliner ready—because you’re about to turn heads with your timeless, vintage beauty!