Makeup of the 1950s: history and characteristics

The world of 1950s makeup was driven by housewives' desire to emulate the perfect image projected by women on the big screen. For the fashion industry, the ultimate icon of this era was Marilyn Monroe, a woman characterized by pin-up makeup that highlighted her female and sensual face.

Next, we tell you everything about the history of makeup from the 50s and which are their characteristics so you can recreate a unique look from the decade. And don't forget to visit our post about the fashion of the 1950s because there is no makeup that is complete without an outfit.

History and trends of 50s makeup

At the beginning of the 50s a natural style gains ground, but it is a decade that ends with striking shadows blue and greenish, red lips and painted polka dots. Discretion ceases to be important in makeup.

The great icons of the fashion industry were Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe, who created new trends in professional makeup and hairstyles of the decade.

The style of Brigitte Bardot gave prominence to the eyes and showed full, natural lips. On the contrary, Marilyn Monroe stood out for her red lips, although her gaze also did not lose prominence thanks to pin-up style, that was born in this era and of which she was the greatest precursor.

In the mid-50s Audrey Hepburn imposed, besides sensuality and elegance, a style that would be admired and followed by the most representative women of high society.

The most important fashion brands of the time such as Max Factor focused on highlighting the beauty of the face, as it was a time when makeup began to be truly considered an art both on television and off it.

Likewise, Vogue magazine played a very important role in the 50s, as it highlighted the makeup style of models and actresses. In them, the latest technology of the sector could be seen, such as longer-lasting lipstick or the most fluid foundation for the face. But without a doubt, red lips combined with turquoise eyeshadows definitely marked this era.

Makeup of the 50s: Characteristics

Face and skin

The goal was to have porcelain skin, without imperfections and with some pink blush, since a blushing face was synonymous with female health and beauty. Gone was the paleness of the skin, a synonym of a sick and neglected woman.

Also, in this decade it was known for the first time the liquid foundation, which helped to have a radiant and natural face.

Eyes

They become fashionable the blue shadows and turquoise color. Eyeliner also began to be applied on the outer corner of the eye, creating the famous cat eye as a synonym of sensuality.

On the other hand, mascara gained popularity because it helps create a flirty and sensual look.

Eyebrows

In this era, thick and dark eyebrow. All facial hair was removed to give special prominence to this area, which was presented in the shape of an arch.

Lips

Full lips were the sensation of the era, they sought to highlight them with intense colors like red. The shape given is rounder and more natural than that of the 1940s. However, by the late 1950s the natural shades on the lips begin to gain more strength.

Cheekbones

Grace Kelly was an example to follow for women in the 1950s when it came to highlighting the beauty of their cheekbones. The makeup consisted of using two shades of blush for defining the cheekbones, a light one that worked as a base and a darker one applied especially below the cheekbone to seek depth.

This vintage look that was so successful in the 1950s, where makeup played such a prominent role, is still maintained by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, or Dita Von Teese. Do you dare to be one of them?