5 Best Techniques for Retro and Vintage Makeup

Vintage makeup styles are making a significant comeback, with many people gravitating toward the timeless elegance and unique flair of past decades.

Whether you’re inspired by the glamorous looks of the 1920s flappers, the classic Hollywood elegance of the 1950s, or the bold and rebellious style of the 1980s, mastering retro and vintage makeup techniques can add a distinctive charm to your beauty routine. 

Retro and Vintage Makeup Techniques

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best techniques for achieving retro and vintage makeup looks.

1. The Flapper Look: 1920s Glamour

The 1920s was an era of dramatic change, reflected in the bold makeup choices of flapper girls. To recreate this iconic look, start with a flawless base. Use a full-coverage foundation to create a smooth, porcelain-like complexion. Conceal any imperfections and set your base with a translucent powder.

Techniques:

• Smoky Eyes: Apply dark eyeshadows in shades of black, grey, and deep brown. Begin with the darkest shade close to the lash line, blending upward and outward. Use a soft brush to smudge a bit of the shadow under the lower lashes for a sultry effect.
• Thin Brows: Shape your brows using a brow pencil, ensuring they are thin and slightly arched. This will give your face the signature 1920s look.
• Cupid’s Bow Lips: Line your lips with a deep red lip liner, accentuating the Cupid’s bow for a heart-shaped lip. Fill in with a matching red lipstick for that perfect flapper pout.

2. The Hollywood Siren: 1950s Elegance

The 1950s brought us the polished and sophisticated style of Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. The focus was on flawless skin, winged eyeliner, and bold lips.

Techniques:

• Matte Skin: Apply a medium to full coverage foundation for a matte finish. Set it with a setting powder to keep the skin shine-free.
• Winged Eyeliner: Use a liquid or gel eyeliner to create a smooth, precise line along the upper lash line, extending it slightly past the outer corner of the eye for a classic winged look.
• Red Lips: Choose a bold red lipstick that complements your skin tone. Use a lip brush for precise application and ensure the edges are clean and well-defined.

3. The Mod Look: 1960s Twiggy

The 1960s introduced the mod look, characterized by dramatic eyes and pale lips. This era was all about experimentation and youthful exuberance.

Techniques:

• Dramatic Eyes: Apply white or light-colored eyeshadow on the lids to make your eyes appear larger. Use a thick black eyeliner to draw a bold line along the upper lash line, adding false lashes for extra drama.
• Defined Crease: Draw a dark line along the crease of the eyelid to create the illusion of deeper-set eyes. Blend lightly to soften the edges.
• Pale Lips: Opt for nude or pale pink lipstick to keep the focus on the eyes. A subtle gloss can add a bit of shine without overpowering the look.

4. The Disco Diva: 1970s Boldness

The 1970s was all about bold, vibrant colors and glitter. This era embraced individuality and self-expression through makeup.

Techniques:

• Colorful Eyeshadow: Experiment with bright eyeshadows in colors like blue, green, and purple. Blend multiple shades to create a gradient or rainbow effect on the lids.
• Glitter and Shine: Add glitter eyeshadow or use glitter eyeliner to highlight the eyes. Apply to the inner corners or along the lash line for extra sparkle.
• Glossy Lips: Finish the look with a shiny lip gloss in a vibrant color. Opt for bold shades like bright pink or red to complement the colorful eyes.

5. The Power Look: 1980s Excess

The 1980s was a decade of excess, reflected in the bold and unapologetic makeup styles. Think big hair, bright colors, and lots of blush.

Techniques:

• Bold Eyes: Use bright, neon eyeshadows, and don’t shy away from color combinations. Apply vibrant shades like electric blue, hot pink, and bright green, blending well for a seamless look.
• Heavy Blush: Generously apply blush on the cheeks, blending it upward toward the temples. Shades of pink and peach were common and should be bold and noticeable.
• Glossy Lips: Opt for bright, glossy lips in shades of pink, red, and orange. The glossier, the better to achieve the perfect 1980s pout.

Tips for Perfecting Vintage Makeup

Research and Practice

Study the makeup trends of the decade you’re interested in. Watch tutorials and practice the techniques to get comfortable with the look.

Use Quality Products

Invest in high-quality makeup products to achieve the best results. Pigmented eyeshadows, long-lasting lipsticks, and reliable eyeliners are essential.

Balance Your Look

When recreating vintage makeup, balance is key. If you’re going for bold eyes, opt for a more subtle lip, and vice versa.

Accessorize Appropriately

Complete your vintage look with appropriate hairstyles and accessories. A 1920s look isn’t complete without a bob or finger waves and a 1950s look benefits from a classic updo or pin curls.

Embrace the Charm of Yesteryears

Vintage makeup offers a unique way to express your style and creativity. By mastering these techniques, you can channel the timeless elegance and bold fashion statements of the past.

Whether you’re dressing up for a themed event or simply want to add a touch of retro glamour to your everyday look, these vintage makeup techniques will help you achieve that perfect throwback style.

Cath

Cath initially pursued a Doctor of Medicine degree but eventually shifted her focus to writing. While she remains passionate about health and wellness, she also explores beauty and fashion as a creative outlet. Her diverse interests empower her to blend scientific insight with artistic expression.