When you think of 1920s makeup, what immediately comes to mind? Heavy liner? Long, fluttering lashes? Pale skin? Tan skin? How about dark lipstick? If any of these trends come to mind, you’re definitely on track.

1920s makeup was probably as artificial as you can get. Women sported jet black bobbed hair and kohl-rimmed eyes. They wore rose, raspberry or orange rouge, and bright red lipstick. According to the Fashion encyclopedia, dark red lipstick came into fashion as a way for women to highlight their sexuality. Not only this, but lipstick was packaged in small tubes, so for the first time women began to take it with them for a quick touch up on the go. Glamorous dark lipstick continued to be popular throughout the 1930s.
–www.fashionencyclopedia.com

Also during the 1920s, liquid nail polish exploded onto the scene, making bright colored nails fashionable and much easier to maintain for extended periods. Somewhere between 1920 and 1930, pale skin became passé, and a dark, golden tan became all the rage. So instead of hiding under hats and staying indoors to maintain a pale complexion, women sunbathed and spent more time outdoors in hopes of baking to a golden brown hue.

In the 1920s, there was a name for women that took makeup a step further by applying it a bit heavier or excessively. The term “flappers” described this group of women that also wore short skirts, listened to jazz, and who were open about their disapproval of the system and the way women were treated. Conservatives viewed these women as brash drinkers that engaged in casual sex. Flappers smoked cigarettes through long holders, they drove cars and rode bicycles, and they worked outside the home.

In terms of hairstyles to match the 1920s makeup, the short bob was number one and finger waving was popular. Other styles from this era include the Eton crop and the Shingle bob. Cloche hats and newsboy caps added even more style to the look. Accessories such as layers of beads, rings, brooches, and pins polished off the look.

If you are interested in achieving a 1920s look, you can visit any makeup counter in the U.S. and ask for the 1920s look. If you want to do it yourself, just purchase the makeup at any makeup counter in any department store or purchase it from your favorite product line. All cosmetics lines carry liquid eyeliner and kohl pencil liners as well as red lipstick and a variety of blushes (rouge). It’s up to you if you prefer to go tan or pale. Either way, you will certainly get your point across. Good luck!

For images of women in 1920s makeup, visit:

http://www.return2style.de/swingstyle/makeup/20amimup.html

http://flappermakeup.blogspot.com/2009/11/1920s-flapper-makeup.html