How to Apply 1950s Eye Makeup

Since the women of the 50s seemed to be more concerned with having a wholesome and natural look when it came to their complexion and makeup, the color eye shadow they used was most often a neutral shade. Shades that were pink or beige worked well to enhance the eyes in a subtle way, and these colors were used so that they could attain the natural look that was the style of those times. Brown eyeliner was used to line the eyelids because it gave a softer look. Black eyeliner was too severe. Applying makeup as they did in the 50s is easy to do. If you want your eyes to have the look of that era, here’s how to apply your eye makeup.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Three eye shadow brushes, or three cotton swabs
• Translucent powder
• Pinkish beige eye shadow
• Brown eye shadow
• Off-white eye shadow
• An eyelash curler or false eyelashes
• Dark brown eyeliner
• Mascara

How to Apply 1950s Eye Makeup

1. Apply translucent powder to eyelids using one of the eye shadow brushes, or one of the cotton swabs, keeping eyes closed so powder doesn’t get into eyes.

2. On each eyelid, up to crease, apply pinkish/beige eye shadow.

3. Apply brown eye shadow along crease on each eyelid with another eye shadow brush or cotton swab.

4. With last eye shadow brush or cotton swab, apply off-white eye shadow to outer area just below each eyebrow.

5. Rub crease line lightly with finger to blend eye shadow. The crease line shouldn’t be too pronounced.

6. Curl top lashes with eyelash curler, or apply fake eyelashes.

7. Apply brown eyeliner along top lash line, making the line thin at the inside corner of the eye and thicker towards the middle and end. Taper the line to a point at the end.

8. Apply a thin line of brown eyeliner to the bottom lid, connecting the end of the line to the tapered upper lash line.

9. Brush two coats of brown mascara on top lashes.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid getting an eye infection, don’t use eye makeup that’s more than three months old.

Resources

• Beauty through the ages-the Conservative Fifties
• Fashions of the Fifties-Retro Hairstyles and Makeup