How to Do Pin-Up Makeup

Today, there is a more modern version of retro pin-up makeup.

Classic yet retro, pin-up makeup is ever present today even if in a more modern version. This makeup consists of a matte, even-toned face, pink blush, black eyeliner, black mascara or false eyelashes, and glossy red lipstick. It works on any skin color or type. Pin-up makeup was made popular by so-called pin-up girls whose photos dominated many men's walls following WWII. These girls were pretty, attractive and usually either fashion models or actresses. Pin-up girl photos were printed on posters, in newspapers and magazines, or on postcards. Pin-up makeup can easily be reproduced today.

Things You'll Need

• Facial cleanser
• Towel
• Moisturizer
• Mirror
• Concealer
• Foundation or powder
• Makeup brushes
• Eyebrow wax, powder or pencil
• Light brown/golden and taupe eyeshadow
• Black eyeliner
• Black mascara
• False eyelashes (optional)
• Red or pink blush
• Red lip liner
• Red lipstick
• Tissue
• Lipgloss (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash your face using a cleanser to remove any remaining makeup and to prepare face for pin-up makeup. Dry face gently with a towel. Apply moisturizer if desired.

2. Dab concealer under eyes and onto any red spots on the face and blend it into your skin using your finger.

3. Apply a single layer of foundation or powder, which will help even skin tone and remove redness. The tone of the foundation or powder should be close to your skin color. Skin will look smooth and matte.

4. Highlight eyebrows using eyebrow powder, wax or pencil. You may also use matte eyeshadow, which is a tone darker than your eyebrow color. Use an angled brush for this. Eyebrows should be bold and even.

5. Dip an eyeshadow brush into eyeshadow, such as light brown or golden, and sweep one or two layers onto eyelids. Use a slightly darker shade such as taupe in the creases of your eyes as well as a long lower lash lines, which is the area below your lower eyelids.

6. Line eyes using black liquid or gel eyeliner or a black eye pencil by extending the liner from inner to outer eye both on the upper and lower lid. Although optional, you may want to extend the eyeliner a bit outside the end of your outer eye and slightly flicking it out and up to form a so-called "cat-eye."

7. Apply two coats of black mascara to upper and lower lashes. You may or may not want to use false eyelashes. If using false eyelashes, use half-lashes or cut whole eyelashes in half, as recommended by Total Beauty. Apply glue to lashes and let it set for a minute before pressing onto the outer side of lashes. If not using false eyelashes, apply another coat of mascara once the previously applied coats have dried.

8. Sweep a red or pink blush onto the apples of your cheeks using a large blush brush. It helps to smile and then apply the brush to your cheeks while still smiling for a natural effect.

9. 

   Red lips are essential for a pin-up girl.

   Line lips with red lip liner carefully. Classic pin-up girl red lips are the most important part of this makeup routine. Use a lip brush to blend the liner into your lips. Use the same lip brush to apply lipstick in the same red shade to entire lips. Blot lips with a tissue and reapply lipstick. This helps set the lipstick and prevent it from rubbing off easily. Apply clear or red lipgloss if desired on top of lipstick to make lips more shiny and moisturized.

Tips & Warnings

• Always clean brushes before applying makeup to avoid applying an unwanted color onto your face that was left behind on the brushes.

• Always remove makeup completely using makeup remover before going to sleep to avoid damaging skin and causing wrinkles.

References

• BecomeGorgeous.com: Pin-Up Girl Make-Up Tips
• Total Beauty: Classic Pin-Up Girl Makeup How-To
• B.R. Mercer: The Pin-Up page

Resources

• The First Post: In Pictures- 50 Years of American Pin-Ups