Makeup the 40's Way

Much like learning how to pincurl and style my own hair to get a 1940's look, I've done a lot of research on how to create the makeup look from that time as well!  I've Googled other sites and blogs, watched YouTube video tutorials, and even took a look at some books that were helpful in achieving the perfection that I strive for.  I'm always to the belief that it's the smallest details that put the entire look together and makes it look a little more professional and well put together.  There's a lot out there, and I encourage others to do some of their own research as well.

Women of the 1940's wanted to achieve a natural beauty that was soft and feminine.  Even though there was rationing during the war, women around the world began wearing makeup even in their teens.  Much like today, there are certain looks by what style clothes we wear that might look better with certain body types.  Similarly, there are certain hairstyles and makeup that look better with certain face shapes, but I'm only going to focus on some basics.

The makeup of this era is one of the easiest to recreate, so don't feel as if it's something you won't be able to do.  Besides, practice makes perfect!

Danah Zoulek Photography

Here are some tips on various things that will help you out:

Skin Care

The most important step is to take good care of your skin!  This is essential because taking good care of your skin is what is going to keep you looking younger for longer.  The makeup is only used to either cover up the flaws of our skin, or to enhance the natural beauty of our skin!  There are five steps to having great skin, which includes:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Freshen
4. Hydrate
5. Protect

Mary Kay has a great skin care line that includes all of these steps called TimeWise.  Not only do I sell it, but I believe in it and USE it on a daily basis.  It's how I keep my skin looking young and radiant!

Foundation

This would be part of the fifth step of your skin care because your foundation is what's going to help protect your skin from the environment.  It's also going to help even out your skin tone.  In the 1940's, the foundation was usually a shade darker than your natural skin tone, but just use your own foundation and then use some loose mineral powder from your cheekbone towards your temple to create a triangular effect.

Blush

Use a light, rosy blush on the apples of your cheeks.  Make sure that it is well blended to keep a natural look.

Eyebrows and Eye Makeup

I like to keep my eyebrows well groomed with a slight angle to them.  They should match your hair color or be a shade darker if you have light hair.  You can use a brow pencil or a powder to match your shade.  Then use a light shade of eyeshadow if you'd like.  The focus of the eyes is really going to come from your lashes!  In the 40's, they tended to use a brown eyeliner to keep it looking a bit more natural, but I tend to like a more dramatic look and will often use a black liquid eyeliner, while making sure it is thin, fine, and even.  Finish off the eyes by using a black mascara.  Before I started selling Mary Kay, I used whatever brand mascara I happened to have, and used a lot of it!  Although, I will say that since I've used Mary Kay mascara again, I won't use anything else.  It does not clump, and I don't need to use a lot - the stuff is amazing!

Lips!

My personal favorite step to achieving the 1940's look!  There are many different shades of red including light reds, pink-reds, orange-reds, and even fucshia!  The trick is to find the right shade that looks good with your skin tone and suits your coloring.  You can use a lip-liner, either in the shade you are using, or clear so you won't have to worry about the matching and can use it with any shade.  It also helps to prevent some of the smudging, although I still recommend blotting to prevent those embarrasing moments when someone tells you you have lipstick on your teeth.  It's happened to all of us. 

If I can do it, I believe you all can do it, too!  Can't wait to see all of your beautiful faces!

Veronica Lake

Judy Garland

Gene Tierney

Here are some helpful sites for reference ...
http://www.return2style.de/swingstyle/makeup/40amimup.html
http://glamourdaze.com/2011/12/1940s-makeup-and-beauty-guide.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2362458_apply-1940s-makeup.html

... and a book you can get, too:  Retro Makeup: Techniques for Applying the Vintage Look.
http://www.hrstbooks.com/retro-makeup