1950's Makeup Styles

Red lips were common in the 1950s.

The makeup in the 1950s was influenced by the role of women in that era. Styles were super feminine, with a touch of class. During the day, the 1950s makeup featured a more natural face and eyes, with a stronger colored lip. The nighttime makeup styles were bolder, with stronger eyes. Bold eyebrows offset the face of the 1950s.

Face

The typical makeup style for the face in the fifties was a peachy base. Foundation and powder were used to create a natural look that will also hide any blemishes or imperfections. Those with excellent skin may have just worn powder instead of both powder and foundation. Blush was not commonly worn in the 1950s. The face was kept muted and natural.

Eyes

The makeup style of eyes in the 1950s also tended toward the natural; there were not often bright colors worn, such as blue or green. That is especially true during the day. Women did wear more dramatic makeup in the evening. If eyeshadow was worn, it was very light --- skin-colored, or a very light beige. Eyeliner was worn only on the top eyelid and did not envelop the whole eye. A light swipe of mascara finished off the look.

Lips

Feminine colors were the standard for lips in the 1950s. During the day, pastel colors, such as light pink, were favored. Some women wore red lipstick, as well. The goal was to create full and lush lips. In the evening, red lips were the norm, to the exclusion of anything else.

Eyebrows

The eyebrows were an important focal point on faces of the 1950s. As the face was kept relatively natural, the eyebrows created the frame of the face. The eyebrows were relatively thin, with a pronounced arch. Women used pencil eyeliner to fill in brows and create the desired shape and color.

References

• Fifties Web: Hairstyles and Makeup
• Hairstyles Cut: 1950s Makeup