Let's Make Up - A 1950s Make Up Tutorial

Dear readers, 

I apologise, for this post is long overdue. I have been asked on many occasions for tips on how I apply my make up and what cosmetics I use but I have yet to get around to actually compiling said tips into any kind of instructions that anyone can follow.....until now. I've chosen to do this tutorial as a photo story rather than a video, as for some reason I am still slightly terrified of the thought of making a video.

So without further ado, here is my tutorial on how to apply your make up in a 1950s glam style. I specify glam, because this isn't my 'everyday' make up. I had a photo shoot after I made this tutorial so this is my full face for a longer lasting effect, with more products and more effort than what I would use on an everyday basis. It should endup looking a little bit like this, but hopefully without such tired looking eyes!

We all have our favourite products that we buy over and over again, but if like me you get seduced by new products at introductory offer prices then your make up bag will look a little bit like mine. A mixed bag of more expensive favourites and a few things that you might not buy again.

Warning!! You are about to see my face WITHOUT any make up. (Didn't want to scare you)

*Face*

I highly recommend a primer if you are having a photo shoot or planning a night out. The primer will help your make up stay in place and stop your make up from seemingly 'melting' on your face and help control any shine. I have watched someone with dry skin apply this and it was a disaster, so I would recommend that even if your skin isn't dry to apply in small amounts. I use No.7 Shine Free Primer. 

The foundation I am using here is Maybelline 24Hour Super Stay in Light Beige. I like it because it is really pale. The other foundation I really like is Revlon Colour Stay, its nice and long lasting and also very pale. I don't use anything to apply but my fingers as I find I get the best coverage this way.

Next its a sweep of the concealer under the eyes and nose or on any patches that the foundation hasn't given full coverage too. I use No.7 Quick Cover in Extra Fair. It goes on creamy and has a powdery finish.

I then add No.7 Creme touch pressed powder in Translucent to get a nice powdery, pale finish.

*Brows*

Eyebrows are a whole tutorial on their own, and I'm not going to go into too much detail about how to create a perfect 50s brow as this is just about an overall look. I dye my eyebrows black to match my hair. The reason for that is pure vanity as no one actually ever sees them without pencil on them, but I can't bare to look at myself in the mirror with my pathetic natural brows whose barely there look is accentuated by my black hair.I use a cheap Rimmel pencil in brown black. I sharpen it every time I use it to get the best effect. 

*Eyes*

On my eyes I start with a base colour. Here I am using a Revlon Color Stay 12 Hour Eye Shadow palette in Coffee Bean. I start by covering the full eyelid with the palest colour right up to the brow, and then fill in the eye socket with a darker shade from about half way along the eye and down to the outer corner of the eye. I then blend that with my finger. Depending what I 'm doing I like to really experiment with colours. The 50s was a great time for make up and eyeshadows are definitely a fun way to bring some colour.

I use a liquid eyeliner as this is definitely the best way to achieve the signature 50s swoosh or flick. I find that Rimmel Glam Eyes liquid liner is easy to apply as it has a really thin brush so lets you have more control over how much you apply in one go

Mascara is one product that I have never found one particular brand of that takes my fancy. I am using the Besame 1930s one here, but really I don't find it creates a full enough effect and I have to put about 4 layers on.  I also use the end of the brush to apply to my lower lashes. Normally, if I had been more motivated, for a full glam/photo shoot/night out effect I would always wear false lashes as well.

I then add white eyeliner to the inner lower lid. This is a great tip for making your eyes look bigger and brighter. This was one of the tips Marilyn Monroe's make up artist used!

*Cheeks*

For years I have used a Bourjois powder blusher, but at the moment I am using No.7 Vital Brights Cream Blush in Blossoming Pink. I believe it is a seasonal product, new for this Spring, and I really like it. It is very bright, but rubs in well, so can be a worn to look more natural

*Lips*

I start with a Barry M lip liner. This is important to get that really over accentuated mid century pout. I draw just outside the natural line of my lips ensuring to go right down to the corners of my mouth. Here I am applying my new favourite lipstick which is No.7 Stay Perfect in Cherry. I LOVE this colour. It is also perfectly creamy to apply but has a matte look to it. If you really want to get the perfect Marilyn pout you apparently need to apply no less than 7 layers of lippie! Cripes...thats an expensive way to get through your lipstick!

Voila!! So that's me in full war paint!

I hope you found this useful, and do let me know your thoughts.

A giant thank you to Hanson Leatherby for the photos