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Beauty in the 1950s

31 August, 2014 - 10:34pm by - First Lady | 26 Comments

images: wikimedia

Article by BR Natalie

'I think your whole life shows in your face, and you should be proud of that.' - Lauren Bacall

When Lauren Bacall recently passed the we not only lost an incredibly talented actress, we lost a true style and beauty icon.  She was feminine without being fragile, she was sexy without being explicit, she was a woman who held her own in a man's world, by blurring the line of masculinity. 

As a teenager I didn't grow up watching American Pie, Scream or even 10 Things I Hate About You.  I grew up with the original teenagers and the epitome of melodrama, immersing myself in the films of Jimmy Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant.  I loved and in fact, still do love, the 50s.  Which is why when I heard about Lauren Bacall's death I just had to revisit her films.  I fell in love with her incredible image all over again

Bacall was not only a skilled thesp, she was also a skilled makeup artist - she'd often apply her own makeup for the screen, as well as pinning her own deeply parted waves.  She was the embodiment of what 50s makeup was about - women were embracing their 'lethal femininity' and showing the male dominated world that they weren't afraid to express their desires and wants through their appearance. 

During the golden age of cinema and the birth of the starlet, makeup became a statement of empowerment; and women were no longer ashamed to buy, wear or discuss it.  And as always, where there is demand, companies will seek to fulfill it.

Max Factor invented Pan Cake, the first foundation to emulate the perfect skin of screen icons.  Revlon introduced the 'non smear' lipstick and two or three shade eyeshadow palettes so women could recreate specific looks. Maybelline had women applying mascara to both the upper and lower lashes (which had been out of fashion since the 20s) and in 1954 Avon's famous Ding Dong Avon Calling campaign opened up cosmetics to every woman in the comfort of their own home. Just three years later there were 100000 Avon reps!

Makeup of the 1950s.

  • Foundation.  A heavier, cream-ivory base was required to emulate the on screen skin of the starlets.  Liquid foundations were incredibly popular at this time, due the the buildability of the coverage.
  • Powders.  Flesh coloured powders were used to warm the ivories of the foundations.
  • Eyes.  Eye looks of the fifties were much more simplistic than previous decades.  Neutral shades with a hint of shimmer were all you needed.
  • Eyeliner.  Want to know who to blame for the endless quest for even wings?  Our 50s ladies brought the look in to everyday life.
  • Eyebrows.  Eyebrows were styled to be a slightly darker shade than the natural shade.  A soft, natural arch that tapered finely were the ideal.  Eyebrow stencils mimicing the brows of the stars were very popular.
  • Lashes. Two coats of mascara to define the top lashes and a single thin coat to the bottom to open the eyes.
  • Blush – Strong rouges were no longer desirable, pastel and rose colors were used to accentuate the apple of the cheek.
  • Lips. The 50s were the decade of pinks  Rose, pastel and red.  Audrey Hepburn once declared that she ”believed in pink!” and let's be honest she knew best.

And to finish up, here are 6 of my favourite 50s starlets rocking the 50s look - in their own unique way.

Lauren Bacall Elizabeth Taylor
Natalie Wood Dorothy Dandridge
Audrey Hepburn Grace Kelly
 

 

So there we have it, a quick guide to 50s makeup.  What do you think of the 50s look?  Do you agree with Natalie that it's timeless, or do you think the look has had it's day?  Get chatting below!

Comments

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14th September, 2014

Look at how many of these looks are currently in vogue..the strong eyebrow, the polished look of perfect skin with defined eyes and a strong lip. Classic.

9th September, 2014

Great article, loved this read. I always to full bold brows and winged eyeliner, this is my favourite look. teamed with a bright lip for a night out is even better. 1950's was super glamorous and I love re-creating these looks

8th September, 2014

I think the hairstyles really made the look too. It gives a sense of class and sophistication

7th September, 2014

I love these styles! It is all about enhancing your natural looks. They look so classy. There are a few people I know that could learn from that time!

6th September, 2014

I grew up watching a lot of old movies too. I did notice a dramatic difference in the quality of acting as opposed to today with the longer popular actors. I think the 50s makeup looks were a basis for a lot of still popular makeup looks today. Those actresses are classic icons of femininity as well as great actresses. I think the looks have changed a bit but they're still timeless.

6th September, 2014

Truly timeless. Elizabeth Taylor the look is one carried into today! Stunning.

5th September, 2014

Yes I agree definitely stunning ladies with their classy timeless look beautiful just beautiful

4th September, 2014

Flawless, timeless - simply beautiful! I love it all! & those brows are all incredible - especially Audrey.

4th September, 2014

So graceful the 50s. Timeless. Its an era to always remember and reflect on. I love looking at my nanas photos and how beautiful they were in those days.

4th September, 2014

So well put together and classy! This is my go to night out look because it's so simple and classy but I could still only dream of being this polished. Haha.

2nd September, 2014

I still love the 50's such a classic look, thats also classy and timeless. Pure beauty

2nd September, 2014

This era is timeless and beautiful. I wouldnt know how to do this look with make up.

2nd September, 2014

They are such gorgeous woman, I have always loved the 50s look, makeup, hair and clothes, their gracefulness, all so beautiful, it is a timeless style that will be remembered forever

1st September, 2014

I love these looks. Classic.

1st September, 2014

Classy ladies. All of their beauty is timeless.