Dive back in time to an era of elegance and class. Discover the secret behind the captivating 1950s makeup that defined a decade.

The 1950s was a decade that defined many concepts that are still around today, from revolutionising cinema to the high street. In this article, explore the iconic beauty trends of 1950s makeup styles and looks, from a time when makeup was as much a statement as the clothes worn. 

Key points:

• Understand the foundation, eyes, and lips that define the ’50s look.
• Discover insights into how icons like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly shaped makeup trends.
• Read tips on choosing the best makeup products to achieve that perfect ’50s flair.
• View our step-by-step guide to nailing the authentic ’50s makeup application.
• Go back in time with us as we review the cultural and fashion influences of the ‘50s era.

An Introduction to ’50s Style Makeup

In the 1950s, makeup was not just a form of self-expression but a reflection of the era’s polished and glamorous aesthetics. The war was long over, and people wanted to express themselves to their full potential! 

The perfect ’50s makeup is made up of many unique features, from a flawless complexion, well-defined eyebrows, subtle eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, and vibrant lips. But how can all of these features be achieved? Find out below to achieve that iconic 1950s makeup look.

1. Foundation: Achieving a Flawless Base

The foundation of any great 1950s makeup starts, quite literally, with the foundation. 

Women of the ’50s favoured a complexion that looked natural yet impeccably smooth. To emulate this, choose a foundation that closely matches your skin tone without altering its natural undertones. For example, the Ben Nye Bella Poudre 8 Palette includes colour shades that can add a “Pan-Cake” like-formula, providing a base that is both covering and lightweight, creating a velvety finish that can easily replicate the popular look. 

Alternatively, opt for a foundation with a semi-matte finish that will help replicate that classic look.

2. Eyes: Subtle Shadows and Dramatic Liner

Eyeshadow in the 1950s was typically matte and subdued, with colours like taupe, soft grey, and muted blue being popular. 

The focus was on a clean and bright eye look, aided by the signature winged eyeliner that has become synonymous with ’50s style makeup. 

To achieve this, use a fine-tip liquid eyeliner to draw a modest wing at the outer corner of each eye, aiming for precision rather than thickness. This era also favoured well-defined lashes, so apply a volumizing mascara to the top lashes to frame the eyes beautifully.

For the best eyeshadow colouring, use these colour shades:

• True grey
• Brown
• Sapphire
• Gold
• Silver
• Light blue
• Turquoise 

Whereas for your mascara, try these shades:

• Black
• Brown
• Blue

Did you know that you can curl eyelashes without an eyelash curler? Find out how in our guide.

3. Eyebrows and Contour: Defining the Features

Eyebrows in the 1950s were bold and well-defined, steering away from the thinner brows of previous decades. 

Fill in your brows with a pencil that matches your hair colour, creating a natural arch that complements your facial structure. 

Icons like Audrey Hepburn maintained natural, yet distinct eyebrows, which helped frame the face beautifully without overwhelming it. Remember, the aim is fullness without harshness, maintaining a balance that reflects the era’s style.

Contouring wasn’t as prevalent as it is today, but subtle shading beneath the cheekbones with a taupe blush can help achieve a more sculpted look, reflective of the era’s style without the overt rosiness that was considered passé. 

For the right shade to use for your blush, use any of the following colours:

• Light pink
• Rose
• Coral
• Peach 
• Pink/orange 

Read more on how to contour your face.

4. Lips: The Bold and the Beautiful

No 1950s look is complete without the lips taking centre stage. 

Lipstick shades during the 1950s ranged from deep reds to vibrant corals, often matched with the wearer’s outfit. The lips were usually overdrawn slightly to achieve a fuller look, which was a staple of iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Hazel bishop.

For a modern take, choose a long-lasting matte lipstick and consider a lip liner to define and emphasise the natural lip line, slightly extending the edges for that classic voluptuous appearance.

To make your lips well-defined, use:

• Deep red
• Fuchsia
• Bright pink
• Coral
• Pink/orange

5. Shimmer and Shine: Powder and Polish

To set the makeup and reduce shine, a light dusting of translucent powder was essential in the ’50s, helping to maintain a matte finish throughout the day. 

With a gentle sweep of loose powder across the face, be sure to add special attention to the T-zone and under the eyes to keep your look fresh and in place. If you want to add a little more dazzle, follow our guide on how to use body shimmer powder. 

6. Nails: The Polished Finish

Completing the 1950s makeup look includes paying attention to the nails. 

Typically, nails were painted in shades of red or pink, sporting a glossy finish that matched the lipstick. The preferred shapes were oval or round, keeping the nails looking natural and conservative. 

The era eschewed flashy nail art or excessive embellishments, favouring a clean and polished appearance that mirrored the overall conservative and polished aesthetic of the 1950s. This understated approach to nail style is perfect for adding a subtle touch of the ’50s to any modern ensemble.

1950s Skincare

Did you know that, during the 1950s, the concept of skincare began to evolve into a ritual integral to achieving the polished look that also defined the decade. 

This era saw a shift toward more sophisticated skincare routines, which laid the groundwork for the flawless makeup looks that became synonymous with 1950s glamour. Here’s how you can replicate the 1950s skincare for makeup look:

1. Cleansing and Conditioning

The first step in the 1950s skincare routine involved thorough cleansing, vital for removing the day’s dirt and makeup. 

Cold creams were a staple in every woman’s beauty regimen, serving multiple purposes as cleansers, moisturisers, and makeup removers. Brands like Pond’s Cold Cream became household names, praised for their dual-action effectiveness that left skin clean and supple. 

Following the removal of the cream with a warm washcloth, women would often apply a toning solution to tighten the pores and refresh the skin, setting a perfect canvas for makeup application.

2. Nourishing and Moisturising

After skin-cleansing, 1950s women applied nourishing creams to combat dryness and maintain skin elasticity. 

Night creams, heavier and richer, were used to deeply moisturise during sleep, supporting the skin’s natural regeneration process. 

Day creams were lighter and often contained early forms of SPF, reflecting growing awareness of sun damage, even though the formulations were less advanced than today’s options.

3. Exfoliation and Treatments

Exfoliation was less common in the 1950s, but those who pursued it typically used homemade scrubs made from natural ingredients like oatmeal, almond meal, or sugar mixed with a face cream. 

Weekly face masks, made from eggs, honey, or clay, were popular treatments that promised to refine pores and rejuvenate the skin, offering a mini-facial effect that was both accessible and affordable.

How Diet Affected Skincare

Additionally, 1950s skincare wasn’t just about products; it was a holistic approach involving diet and lifestyle. Women were advised to drink plenty of water, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and ensure adequate sleep to improve their skin’s natural beauty. Such advice underpinned the belief that true beauty starts from within and that skincare and diet are intertwined.

Can Treasure House of Makeup Help With 1950s Makeup Looks?

Yes, Treasure House of Makeup would be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have in regards to achieving your perfect 1950s makeup looks, no matter whether it is for the stage, or a fancy dress party. Be sure to contact us today so that we can personalise your look with our wide range of products.

You can also find a variety of makeup tutorials on our blog, from skin and body care routines to dress up ideas, including:

• How to make a wig for the stage
• Beauty marks and moles
• 1920s makeup looks
• 1940s makeup
• 1960s makeup
• How to use a colour makeup wheel

In conclusion, it can be easy to embrace an authentic 1950s makeup look by following this detailed article and using the right makeup. By correctly defining your complexion, eyebrows, lips, nails, and eyes to their full potential, you can replicate the past and bring your own unique 1950s style into the 21st century. 

FAQs

What are the key features of 1950s makeup?

The key features of 1950s makeup include a flawless matte complexion, defined eyebrows, bold red lips, winged eyeliner, and softly shaded eyes. The look is both glamorous and polished, which emphasised femininity.

How can I achieve a 1950s-style matte complexion?

Start with a good foundation that matches your skin tone, followed by a matte powder to eliminate shine. Conceal any blemishes or under-eye circles for a flawless finish. Using a powder puff instead of a brush can help achieve that matte, velvety texture.

What was the popular lipstick colour in the 1950s?

What was the popular lipstick colour in the 1950s? The most popular lipstick colour of the 1950s was a bold, classic red. Shades ranged from deep cherry red to bright orange-red, depending on the look you were going for. Lipstick was often matched to nail polish.

Sources

Biography.com Editors. (2021) Audrey Hepburn: Biography. [online] Available at: https://www.biography.com/actors/audrey-hepburn [accessed 19/08/24]

Biography.com Editors. (2020) Marilyn Monroe: Biography. [online] Available at: https://www.biography.com/actors/marilyn-monroe [accessed 19/08/24]

Smith, K., (2019) From Aircraft Fuel To Lipstick, Chemist Hazel Bishop Was Unstoppable. Forbes. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2019/08/17/from-aircraft-fuel-to-lipstick-chemist-hazel-bishop-was-unstoppable/ [accessed 19/08/24]