How to Look Like a Pin-Up Girl
To some, the pin-up girl is the feminine ideal. Classified by their beautifully groomed hair and makeup (particularly bright red lips), pin-up girls represent a picture-perfect woman. With the right cosmetics, every woman can look like one.
Actress Betty Grable is often credited as the first pin-up girl, as her posters kept many American GIs company during World War II. 20th century artists such as Gil Elvgren and Alberto Vargas famously created their interpretations of the pin-up girl in paintings and illustrations. Today's glamour models and burlesque performers such as Dita Von Teese keep the pin-up look alive.
Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Hair
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Go for a hairstyle that reflects the pin-up style. Study photographs of classic pin-up icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable or Dita Von Teese to see examples of various pin-up hairstyles.
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Make sure your hair is clean and dry before styling. Remember that pin-up hairstyles look very feminine, featuring lots of softness and rounded edges. Don't blow dry your hair perfectly straight, or use a straightening iron on the ends. Brush hair gently to reduce frizz and help it look shiny; consider using a shine spray if your hair is typically dull.
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Emulate a pin-up girl hairstyle with the help of pictures or video. Watch makeup artist Sarah Victor's tutorial of a basic style below under Resources, or use inspiration photos to create your own interpretation. Keep a hairbrush, hairspray, curling iron and bobby pins handy, as these tools will help you achieve most types of pin-up hairstyles.
Makeup
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Create a "flawless face" using foundation and concealer. View makeup artist Kandee Johnson's video under Resources for tips on how to achieve a flawless look. Seek a natural, healthy finish rather than a cake-y makeup look.
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Emulate the cosmetic elements of a pin-up girl makeup look. Watch the videos on pin-up makeup application below and follow along with the tutorials. Create neat and well-defined brows, add neutral eyeshadow to lids and apply black liquid liner along the upper lash line. Brush blush onto the apples of the cheeks, then define and contour your cheekbones. Finish your basic makeup look with bright red lips, applied with pencil, lipstick and gloss.
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Curl lashes and add mascara to make eyes appear larger and more attractive. Consider using false eyelashes as a way to heighten the overall drama of your look. Keep a light touch while applying makeup to achieve a soft, rather than overwhelming, result.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid to add your own signature twist to the look. Add a playful pretend beauty mark, or try out a pin-up girl hairstyle in a wild new hair color.
Match your pin-up girl look's level of drama to the occasion. Going all out with long false eyelashes and fire-engine-red lips isn't appropriate for the office, but may be just right when you dress up as Marilyn Monroe for Halloween.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit woman in pink satin dress image by Tracy Martinez from Fotolia.com
