Make-Up

How To: 1920s Glam Makeup

If you’ve got a fabulous Gatsby-inspired reception in mind, your overall look will need to match your décor, but while ‘20s wedding gown styles and hairstyles are more widely known, makeup can be a little harder to perfect.

So in order to achieve an authentic 1920s glam makeup look, you’ll need to do a little homework. First, a history lesson. Before the mid-1910s, women would typically not wear lipstick – that is, until the 20s rolled around, when along with accentuated eyes, a woman’s lips were considered to be a defining feature of beauty and independence.

This paved the way for beauty giants like Max Factor and Elizabeth Arden to begin developing and selling new makeup products, which were championed by flappers (the entertainers which have become synonymous with this period). Flappers were famous for applying lipstick in public – an act which would previously have been considered scandalous! 

So, what does an authentic 1920s makeup look involve? 

Defined Eyes

Dark mascara and eyeliner should be used to define the eyes. Typically, women in the 1920s would line their entire eye for the biggest impact, but you should soften slightly, depending on what suits you.

Rich Eyeshadow

Top eyeshadow colours for this look range from blues and greens to teal for the lids and brow bones, and can extend to shimmery metallic colours for added glam. Your eyebrows should also be accentuated using a brow shadow or pencil that matches your natural hair colour.

Cupids Bow Lips

Bold lipstick in shades of red and plum is a must, in the famous ‘Cupid's Bow’ (heart-shape).

Image Credits

GibsonBespoke on Etsy