Makeup History: 1920s Makeup Tutorial

The 1920s marked a dramatic cultural shift, with women redefining beauty and independence. Breaking away from Victorian restrictions, they embraced expressive makeup and short hairstyles. 

Flappers became style icons, characterized by bold smoky eyes and perfectly shaped lips. After WWI, makeup transitioned from taboo to mainstream, symbolizing freedom and individuality. Hollywood amplified these trends, as actresses popularized striking looks that captivated audiences. 

Recreating 1920s makeup offers a tangible connection to a transformative time in history. Whether for themed occasions or personal enjoyment, it invites admiration for an era that reshaped fashion and self-expression. 

This guide provides insights into achieving the signature style of this unforgettable decade.

1920s Makeup: Historical Context 

The 1920s were a time when Hollywood films deeply influenced everyday fashion and beauty. 

• Silent film stars like Clara Bow, known as the “It Girl,” and Theda Bara, a famous “vamp,” set the tone for dramatic makeup trends. 
• Clara Bow’s signature look featured thin, exaggerated eyebrows, smoky eyes, and bold red lips shaped into the “Cupid’s Bow,” a style adored by fans. 
• Theda Bara’s dark, smoldering eyes and heavy makeup epitomized the mysterious and alluring femme fatale look.

These stars brought makeup into the limelight, transforming it into a must-have for women seeking to emulate their favorite screen idols.

Pioneers like Max Factor a makeup artist turned entrepreneur, played a significant role in this transformation. He developed products tailored for the film industry, including grease paint in jars for flawless skin on camera. 

Societal Changes

The 1920s saw women stepping into new roles as societal norms shifted. The aftermath of World War I brought more women into the workforce, giving them a sense of independence. This newfound freedom encouraged women to express themselves through fashion and makeup. Wearing cosmetics, once seen as taboo or vulgar, symbolized empowerment.

Makeup ads of the time began to target working women, promoting products as tools to enhance confidence and professionalism. The bold, dramatic looks popularized by Hollywood complemented the “Flapper” lifestyle—an image of youthful rebellion, freedom, and self-expression. The rise of beauty salons and accessible makeup brands like Maybelline and Coty further fueled this growing trend.

1920s Makeup Products

Here’s a list of popular 1920s makeup products:

• Kohl eyeliners
• Rouge compacts
• Cake mascara
• Lipsticks in metal tubes
• Face powders

Characteristics of 1920s Makeup

The makeup of the 1920s reflected boldness and confidence. Women used cosmetics to create a dramatic and polished look that symbolized the freedom of the era.

Skin: Pale and Matte

A pale complexion was highly fashionable. Women applied powder to achieve a smooth, matte finish, creating a soft and porcelain-like appearance. Light blush was often added to the cheeks for a subtle pop of color.

Eyebrows: Thin and Dramatic

Eyebrows were plucked very thin and reshaped into high arches. This sharp, defined look framed the face and added a striking effect to the eyes. Dark eyebrow pencils were commonly used to accentuate this feature.

Eyes: Smoky and Intense

The smoky eye was a signature feature of the decade. Women applied dark eyeshadow and kohl liner generously to give their eyes a mysterious, smoldering effect. Mascara was applied heavily to lengthen and define the lashes, enhancing the overall drama.

Lips: The Cupid’s Bow

Lips were styled into a distinct “Cupid’s Bow” shape. The upper lip was overlined to form a heart shape, while the corners of the mouth were slightly de-emphasized. Deep red and plum shades were the most popular, adding a bold and glamorous finish.

The makeup trends of the 1920s combined elegance with individuality, creating an iconic style that continues to inspire. Each detail of the look carried the spirit of a generation unafraid to express itself.

Step-by-Step 1920s Makeup Tutorial

Recreating the iconic 1920s makeup style involves precise steps that highlight bold, dramatic features. Each step adds to the vintage charm, bringing the era’s signature look to life.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start with clean, moisturized skin for a smooth canvas.

• Apply a light concealer to even out the skin tone and hide blemishes.
• Use a pale, matte powder to create the porcelain-like finish typical of the 1920s.
  • Focus on setting the makeup evenly across the face, avoiding any shine.
• Lightly dust blush on the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards for a soft glow.

This creates a flawless, subdued base that complements the bold eye and lip makeup.

Step 2: Shape the Brows

1920s eyebrows were thin, highly arched, and defined.

• Use tweezers to pluck the eyebrows into a thin line.
• With an eyebrow pencil, draw an exaggerated arch that extends slightly beyond the natural brow.
  • Keep the edges sharp and the color dark for a dramatic effect.
• Blend lightly to soften any harsh lines, creating a clean, striking frame for the face.

This step enhances the vintage elegance and draws attention to the eyes.

Step 3: Enhance the Eyes

The smoky eye look is a defining feature of 1920s makeup.

• Apply a dark eyeshadow (like black, gray, or deep brown) across the eyelid and blend upward toward the brow bone.
• Line the upper and lower lash lines with kohl or gel eyeliner for a smudged, smoky effect.
  • Smudge the liner slightly with a brush or your finger for softness.
• Coat the lashes generously with black mascara.
  • For an authentic touch, consider applying false lashes to add volume and length.

This creates the sultry, mysterious eyes that were synonymous with the Flapper look.

Step 4: Perfecting the Lips

1920s lips were dark, defined, and heart-shaped.

• Start by lightly powdering the lips to create a smooth surface.
• Use a lip liner to outline the “Cupid’s Bow” on the upper lip. Overline slightly for a more prominent heart shape.
• Fill in the lips with a dark red, plum, or maroon lipstick.
  • Matte finishes work best to replicate the era’s style.
• Dab a tissue on the lips to remove excess lipstick, then reapply for lasting color.

This step completes the look with the bold, signature pout that defined 1920s glamour.

Tips for Authenticity for 1920s Makeup

Modern cosmetics can achieve vintage textures with the right choices. Use matte powders for the skin, dark eyeshadows for smoky eyes, and deep red or plum lipsticks to reflect the bold style of the decade. Opt for products that mimic the finish and pigments popular during that era.

Accessories play a key role in completing the look. A bobbed hairstyle, either natural or styled with a wig, instantly evokes the period’s charm. 

Pair your makeup with flapper-style clothing, such as sequined dresses, feathered headbands, or long strands of pearls. 

These small touches tie the look together and bring the 1920s to life.

Conclusion: 1920s Makeup

The makeup trends of the 1920s continue to influence modern beauty standards with their bold, dramatic looks. 

The era’s emphasis on self-expression and individuality still resonates today, especially in themed events or for personal style. 

Experimenting with vintage makeup not only connects you to a transformative period in history but also allows you to creatively express yourself. Don’t be afraid to try these timeless styles for your next occasion