Makeup History - 1950's

The iconic late Elizabeth Taylor

And GLAMOUR was born! 


No one can deny makeup was revolutionised during the 50's with starlets such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren leading the way post war era.
Makeup techniques developed and product companies invested more into research & development with the boom of colour films hitting the big screens. Max Factors famous foundation 'Pan Cake' was invented to assist in covering any imperfections shown on the large screens. 
Eyebrows were arched and defined and eyeshadow was either quite contoured (think the stunning Marilyn) or pastel shades were used. Eyeliner was flicked out, very Egyptian looking (Ms Taylor) and false eyelashes were used.
Lips continued the red trend of the 40's, although shades were lighter and often pinks and orange were used. Cheeks bared colours of pink and peaches.


A definite favourite era of mine!

The ever beautiful Marilyn Monroe

Christina Aguilera's modern take of the 50's

Makeup History 1940's.

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake, Betty Grable, Lucielle Ball, Judy Garland and Ginger Rogers all contributed to the 40's beauty revolution and made there mark in makeup history.


The 1940's saw a shift from the heavier looks of the 20's & 30's to a more natural beauty, minimal look, with a warmer base. The blush, or rouge as they once called it, was sculpted on the cheek and of bright pink and rose colour. 
Eyebrows were groomed to an arched shape and defined with pencil. Eyeshadows were quite neutral and tones such as taupe, browns and muted greys were regularly used. Thin eyeliner was often smudged through the lashes, a technique still used today to help create some depth and finished off with a brown or black mascara.
For lips think Dita Von Teese red, fuller lips with a slightly exaggerated top lip.


Hair was the main focus during this era with pin curls, finger waves and heavy tight sets.

Ginger Rogers

The modern version - Dita Von Teese

1930's makeup.

Think Jean Harlow, Claudette Colbert, Dorothy Lamour and you have 1930's beauty!


I could have lived in this era for the fact heavy lashes were a statement! The overall look was quite elegant and sophisticated featuring a soft complexion and often a sculptured pink blush.
The brows were extremely thin, very rounded, even shaved off, then thinly drawn on with a pencil. Eyeshadow was very blended and eye colour played a huge part in the shade selection. In the evenings shimmering shadows were applied from the upper eyelid right up to the eyebrow and daytime saw blues, bright violet, green, brown and orchid. 


For lips the shade of choice was raspberry, reds and oranges and painted on creating a fuller illusion from the bow.

Another Dior modern version......they nail it everytime!

Makeup History - 1920's

I'm so loving right now, rediscovering the history of makeup and realising how far we have come both socially and technologically.

My following posts will take you through the various decades and styles of makeup that have all played a major role in society.

Hope you enjoy!

1920's makeup -

Prior to the 20's, makeup was somewhat taboo and frowned upon. Not only were the ingredients quite dangerous (lead, sulphur & mercury) it was not proper for nice girls to wear makeup. Pale skin was the norm as  the attitude was a lady had no reason to be in the sun. 'Some historians even suspect that the look became popular because of the prevalence of tuberculosis, which made its sufferers look very pale'.


The look from the decade was very distinct. Dark, mysterious, vamp, heavy kohl - rimmed eyes and cupid bow mouth. The eyeshadow was generally of a round shape and the apples of the cheeks were pink.


The lips were often a dark plum-burgundy colour in a very cute cupid bow shape. Eyebrows were thin and rounded.

Dior does the ultimate 1920's remake. Love it!

I not only blog about them but I use them!

Following my previous blogs on gel liners used as eyeshadows and my new favourite Stila Colour Convertibles here are some images using both...........my Easter Saturday prep.

Foundation - Chanel Matt Lumiere
MAC Concealer - NC 25
Bobbi Brown gel liner - Ivy Shimmer Ink
Mascara - Boujoirs Volume Glamour Max Definition Mascara
Cheeks/ Lips - Stila Colour Convertible - Peony

HAIR - Cloud Nine Curling Tong (JUST THE BEST ONE EVER!!!)

The best & worst gel liners!

Im a fan, huge fan actually, of gel liners and I've had the opportunity to work with many different brands.


Those of you who follow my blog know not only do I use the gel liners to line the eye but I often use them as eyeshadows particularly when doing a dark smokey eye. They are perfect for this look as the majority of them are smudge, crease & waterproof and add depth to eyeshadow.


Having said that not all gel liners are the same and Ive even found a huge contrast in liners from the same brand. Some glide on seamlessly and have intense colour while others either look dull or dry up the minute you twist the cap to open it! Below are my favourite and not so favourite liners.

Favourites:


MAC Fluideline in Blacktrack - my absolute favourite black gel liner. This product does exactly what its supposed to. It applies beautifully, gives you a real intense black finish and will not budge or smudge all day! 


Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Bronze Shimmer (not sure if this colour has been replaced with Chocolate Shimmer) - I LOVE THIS LINER!! I frequently use this to create an amazing brown smokey eye but it also makes a nice liner when you want a softer outline. 


Shu Uemura in G Silver- This is a lovely silver shimmer colour which is a nice alternative to a light liner. I like to use this product to highlight the inner eyes near the tear duct - just beautiful.


Not so favourite:

MAC Fluideline in Waveline - Bad, real bad if you thought this was going to give you a lovely blue colour. It applies quite transparent and you need layers to give you an intense colour. So disappointing as I love the colour.


Bobbi Brown and Shu Uemura in Black - my problem with both of these is their longevity. They dry out so quickly and they become unusable in a matter of no time.

A blush & lip colour in one!

Stila was a brand that made its way into my kit many moons ago with their award winning lip glaze. Since then they didn't give me much to sing about, or so I thought, until I rediscovered their convertible colour compacts.

These handy compacts come in 9 creamy dreamy shades and can be used as a cheek or lip colour to give you an unbelievable dewy finish on your cheek or a moisturising lip colour. All the colours are very wearable and compliment multiple skin tones. 

I thought Id be daring and tried the Fuchsia (which looks like a very bright pink), and was surprisingly pleased to see that the colour blended well and left me with what I only can describe as a romantic fun cheek and lip colour. Just beautiful! 

To apply simply use your finger tips and blend. If you're more comfortable using brushes a nice blush brush will do the trick. To keep the dewy look don't powder on top of this product. 

Stila Convertible Colour in Fuchsia. (Instyle)

And, how can you not love a 2 in 1 product? Think about all the room you can make for some more products. In true Zoe style I couldn't stop at one.............

Stockist in Australia: 

www.meccacosmetica.com.au