Learn about the staple of 1920s fashion with our guide on flapper girl makeup looks and tutorials. 

In the vibrant whirl of modern stage makeup, the allure of 1920s makeup emerges as a timeless symbol of rebellion, freedom, and unmistakable glamour. In this article, we will explore the art of recreating the iconic 1920s makeup flapper look, a style that continues to inspire with its bold, dramatic features and an undying connection to the Roaring Twenties’ spirit. 

What Defined Flapper 1920s Makeup?

There are many factors that contributed towards what made flapper 1920s makeup so popular. Here is a thorough understanding of what propelled 1920s flapper makeup into the world of stardom:

• Skin: At the dawn of the 1920s, a flawless, porcelain complexion was the epitome of beauty, a stark contrast to later decades’ sun-kissed skin ideals. Achieving this look begins with a smooth canvas; apply a primer to ensure your makeup remains intact through dances and dramas alike. Follow with a full-coverage concealer, slightly lighter than your natural tone, to brighten the complexion. A dusting of pressed powder adds that final touch of vintage elegance, reminiscent of the old-world charm.
• Rouge: The cheeks told a story of their own in the 1920s, with “Rouge” bringing a dramatic flair to a woman’s makeup. The era’s limited blush palette meant that a medium pink shade could provide a naturally flushed look, a nod to the exuberance of the time. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending outwards for a seamless, vibrant glow.
• Beauty Marks: Adding a beauty mark can transform your look, channelling the allure of silver screen legends like Jean Harlow. With a simple flick of eyeliner, place a faux mark on your upper lip or beneath an eye, adding an element of whimsy and sophistication to your flapper facade.

Is a beauty mark a mole, or is a mole a beauty mark? Find out more about the differences between beauty marks vs moles. 

 

• Eyelids: The smoky eye look of the 1920s, albeit less intense than today’s standards, focused on accentuating the eyes with strategic shadow placement. Begin with a lighter base on the lid, adding depth with dark brown or black shadow at the corners and crease, creating the illusion of larger, more expressive eyes.
• Lashes: Eyeliner and mascara were key to achieving the flapper’s captivating gaze. Before eye pencils became the norm, innovative techniques were used to darken and define the lash line. A smudge of black eyeliner extended slightly past the lids’ natural line, coupled with mascara on both top and bottom lashes, adds depth and intensity to the eyes.
• Lips: The flapper era’s lip styling was bold and unmistakable, with red being the colour of choice for any glamorous outing. To replicate the iconic “Cupid’s Bow” look, start by outlining your lips with a liner, slightly exaggerating the curvature of your upper lip. Fill in with a deep red or berry lipstick, staying true to the era’s signature style.

You can learn more about flapper girl makeup in this overview of flappers.

1920s flapper girl makeup is not the only iconic period we have explored – check out our deconstruction on how to achieve the perfect 1940s makeup look.

 

Types Of Flapper Girl 1920s Makeup

There were many styles that were popular in the 1920s, and here are our picks for what type of flapper girl 1920s makeup dress ups that you can use for social events such as Halloween.

1. The Classic Flapper: 

This look captures the essence of the 1920s flapper with its emphasis on dark, smoky eyes, sharply defined eyebrows, and deep red lips set against a pale complexion. Achieve this with a matte foundation, smokey eyeshadow, and a bold lip, accessorising with era-appropriate attire to fully embody the classic flapper.

 

2. The Flapper With the Faux Bob: 

Adding a playful twist to the traditional style, the faux bob hairstyle complements the classic makeup. This look plays with the era’s iconic short hair without the commitment, allowing for a temporary transformation that’s both fun and historically inspired.

 

3. The Wallet-Friendly Flapper: 

Embrace the flapper aesthetic without breaking the bank by focusing on minimal, affordable makeup products. A light foundation, a basic eyeshadow palette for the smokey eye, and a budget-friendly red lipstick can achieve the 1920s glamour. The ensemble can be completed with any fringe or sequined dress, paired with homemade accessories for a touch of authenticity.

 

4. The Zombie Flapper: 

For a unique twist, merge the flapper’s glamour with the macabre for a Halloween-ready look. After laying down the classic makeup base, incorporate eerie details like dark under-eye circles, ‘cracked’ skin effects, and strategic fake blood applications. Tattered dresses and torn stockings will complete your transformation into the undead flapper. Unsure on how to use stage blood? Not to worry, as our guide on how to apply fake blood will educate you on how to do so.

Don’t forget to check out our wide range of articles that covers essential makeup topics, for stage or everyday activities. For more spooky Halloween advice, explore our witch makeup ideas.

 

How To Use 1920s Flapper Makeup: Tutorial

Embracing the flapper makeup look is like stepping into a time machine, ready to explore the dazzling nights of the Roaring Twenties. Here’s how to achieve that quintessential flapper girl makeup, incorporating modern techniques with vintage charm.

 

1. Thin Out Your Eyebrows

The era’s eyebrow aesthetic leaned towards the thinner, more refined arches, a stark contrast to today’s fuller trends. Achieve this look by darkening the upper portion of your brows with an eyebrow pencil, creating a gradient effect that gives the illusion of slender brows without the need for tweezing.

 

2. Layer on the Black Eyeshadow

The smoky eye is synonymous with flapper glamour. Apply a matte black eyeshadow across the eyelid and into the crease. Use a blending brush in small, circular motions to diffuse the shadow, ensuring a smoky, yet soft, edge.

 

3. Smoke Out the Lower Lid

Intensify the drama by smudging black eyeshadow across the lower lash line. A dense smudge brush is perfect for applying and then blending the shadow for that iconic, sultry look that defines flapper eye makeup.

 

4. Line the Eyes

A winged eyeliner adds definition and depth. With a black pencil liner, trace along the upper lash line, and extending slightly beyond the outer corner. Soften the line with a smudge brush to achieve the desired lived-in look that’s both mysterious and inviting.

 

5. Tap on Some Eye Gloss

For that wet, glossy finish, dab eye gloss over the lids. This step revives the matte eyeshadow and liner beneath, adding a modern twist to the vintage appeal. The gloss should be applied gently to avoid shifting the eyeshadow.

 

6. Apply False Lashes

No flapper look is complete without voluptuous lashes. Choose a set of dramatic, fanned-out false lashes to accentuate the eyes, lending an air of 1920s extravagance to your look.

 

7. Define the Lower Lashes

Apply black mascara to the bottom lashes, focusing on separation and length to complement the top falsies. This step elevates the eyes’ allure, making them the centrepiece of your makeup products.

 

8. Conceal the Lips

Before defining the lips, apply a thin layer of concealer to blank out their natural colour and shape. This technique sets the stage for the exaggerated Cupid’s bow that is emblematic of the flapper style.

 

9. Draw on a Cupid’s Bow

With a lip liner, sketch an exaggerated Cupid’s bow on the upper lip, slightly over-drawing at the centre to create the illusion of fuller lips. This step is crucial in achieving the distinctive 1920s lip silhouette.

 

10. Fill in the Lips

Finalise the look with a deep, burgundy lipstick, carefully filling in the outlined shape. This rich, vibrant colour pays homage to the flapper’s preference for attention-grabbing lips, sealing the makeup with a kiss of history.

If tattoos get in the way of your ideal 1920s flapper girl look, we recommend using tattoo cover up makeup to achieve your wanted results.

 

Flapper Girl 1920s Makeup Defined

The 1920s flapper makeup is more than just a style; it’s a statement. It speaks of a time when women dared to defy conventions, embracing boldness and freedom in every aspect of their lives, including their makeup. By following these steps, you not only recreate a look but also embody the spirit of the flapper girl: fearless, fashionable, and forever ahead of her time. Whether for a themed event, a theatrical production, or simply to add a touch of vintage flair to your beauty routine, flapper makeup offers a timeless appeal that transcends the decades. Embrace the challenge with our makeup tips, and let the roaring twenties inspire you to explore the depths of your makeup artistry.

For more insightful advice about makeup, look no further than our guide on beauty makeup tips and tricks.

FAQs

What makeup did flappers wear in the 1920s?

Flappers in the 1920s wore bold and dramatic makeup, including dark, smokey eyeshadow, thick eyeliner, bold, defined eyebrows, pale or powdered skin, and deep red lipstick. They aimed for a glamorous look that was a departure from the more natural styles of the previous decades.

How to do flapper eye makeup?

To do flapper eye makeup, start with a dark eyeshadow to create a smoky effect, apply thick eyeliner to emphasise the eyes, and finish with several coats of mascara to make the lashes stand out. The look is dramatic and bold, with dark shades typically used to make the eyes a focal point.

Why did flappers wear heavy makeup?

Flappers wore heavy makeup to rebel against the conservative societal norms of the time, express newfound freedoms and independence, and embrace a more modern, bold aesthetic that was synonymous with the Roaring Twenties' glamour and decadence.

Did flappers wear nail polish?

Yes, flappers did wear nail polish. The practice of painting nails became fashionable in the 1920s, with flappers often choosing dark, striking colours to match their bold makeup looks, thereby completing their avant-garde and fashionable appearance. 

Sources

Whipple, M., (2023) 1920s Flappers: An Overview of the Ladies of the Jazz Age. The Collector. [online] Available at: https://www.thecollector.com/1920s-flappers-ladies-jazz/ [accessed 19/02/24]