The world of makeup in the 1950s was driven by the desire of housewives to achieve the perfectionist image projected by women on the big screen. For the fashion industry, the greatest exponent of this era was Marilyn Monroe, a woman characterized by pin-up makeup that highlighted her feminine and sensual face.
Below, we'll tell you all about the history of 50s makeup and what its characteristics are so you can recreate a unique look from the decade. And don't forget to visit our post on 50s fashion because no makeup look is complete without an outfit.
History and trends in 50s makeup
At the beginning of the 50s, a natural style gained ground, but it was a decade that closed with striking shadows in blue and green ,red lips and painted polka dots. Discretion is no longer important in makeup.
The great icons of the fashion industry were Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe, who created new trends in professional makeup and hairstyles of the decade.
Brigitte Bardot's style highlighted the eyes and revealed full, natural lips. On the contrary, Marilyn Monroe stood out for her red lips, although her gaze also remained the focus thanks to the pin-up style, which was born at this time and of which she was its greatest precursor.
In the mid-50s Audrey Hepburn imposed, in addition to sensuality and elegance, a style that would be admired and followed by the most representative women of high society.
The most important fashion brands of the time such as Christian Dior and Max Factor focused on highlighting the beauty of the face, as it was a time when makeup truly began to be considered an art both on television and off.
Likewise, Vogue magazine played a very important role in the 1950s, as it highlighted the makeup styles of models and actresses. They reflected the latest technology in the sector, such as the longest-lasting lipstick or the most fluid foundation for the face. But without a doubt, red lips combined with turquoise shadows definitely marked this era.
Makeup of the 50s: Characteristics
Face and skin
The desire was to have porcelain skin, without imperfections and with some pink color, since a blush face was synonymous with health and feminine beauty. Gone was the paleness of the skin, synonymous with a sick and neglected woman.
Furthermore, liquid foundation was first introduced in this decade, which helped create a radiant and natural complexion.
Eyes
Blue shadows and turquoise colors are becoming fashionable. Eyeliner is also beginning to be applied to the outside of the eye, creating the famous cat eye, synonymous with sensuality.
Mascara is also gaining popularity because it helps create a flirtatious and sensual look.
Eyebrows
During this time, thick, dark eyebrows are becoming fashionable. The goal was to remove all facial hair to give special prominence to this area, which was shaped like an arch.
Lips
Full lips were the sensation of the time, and they were sought to be highlighted with intense colors such as red. The shape given is rounder and more natural than that of the 40s. However, in the late 50s, natural tones on the lips began to gain more strength.
Cheekbones
Grace Kelly was an example for women of the 50s to follow when it came to highlighting the beauty of their cheekbones. The makeup consisted of using two shades of blush to define the cheekbones, a light one that worked as a base and a darker one applied especially below the cheekbone to create depth.
This vintage look, which was so popular in the 1950s and where makeup played a major role, is still popular with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, and Dita Von Teese. Do you dare to be one of them?
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