Women's Flapper Makeup in the 1920s

Along with the right to vote, women in the 1920s were also rebels when it came to makeup application.

In the roaring twenties, women changed their attitudes about publicly acceptable behavior as well as their appearance. Makeup was in: lots and lots of makeup. Ruby red lips and smoky, sultry eyes were the rage.

Facial Makeup

The influence of silent-film stars Theda Bara and Clara Bow, as well as influences from the East, contributed to the sought-after style of snow-white skin. Women typically obtained this look with rice powder. Rouge was used sparingly, more for contouring, saving the drama for eyes and lips.

Lips

Oxblood red lipstick was the only choice available, applied heavily and often. The art of applying lipstick in public became part of the show. Women no longer touched up their makeup in private, reapplying it at restaurant tables, nightclubs and parties.

Eyebrows

Flappers kept their eyebrows plucked ultra-thin. Many plucked the entire eyebrow and would then pencil in a new "eyebrow" even higher than the original.

Eye Makeup

When it came to eye makeup, the more dramatic and heavier, the better. Kohl, made from soot, lead and goose grease, was applied all around the eye, then used as an eyeliner. Finishing off the look was the first form of mascara: a block of wax that women melted and then applied with an orange stick.

References

• Free Beauty Tips: Roaring 1920s Makeup and Hairstyle

Resources

• Fashion-Era: 1920-1930