Beyond the clothes, accessories and shoes, which are usually associated with vintage style, there's hair and makeup, the crowning jewels of polish, without which, vintage style would not be complete.
Here are our top tips for hair and makeup:
1920’s
For 1920’s flapper girl glam, dark accentuated eyebrows are a must. Think thin, dark and a downward sloping arch, use an eyebrow pencil if necessary but don’t overdo it!
For lips, choose dark rich colours such a plum or deep red tones to make a key distinction from a china-doll powdered face.
Eye palettes are essentially bluey-grey hues for beautiful 1920’s style. A flick of grey or navy eye-pencil blended into the shadow makes a great evening look.
If you have short hair, a short-groomed bob is bang on the 1920’s vibe. For accessorising this, just think Betty Boop with sparkly headbands and slides. Longer haired girls can still add a touch of the 20’s with a cloche hat (M&S have a great range for Autumn/Winter 2011) or simply add a feathered headband.
1930’s
The facial tone for 1930’s makeup is commonly referred to as ‘tea-rose glow’, ivory skin with just a smudge of pink rouge- nothing too dramatic. Use a flush of blush such as Maybelline Dream Touch Blush in Berry (£6.49 at Boots), and apply in an upward sweeping movement on the apples of your cheeks.
A top daytime tip for 1930’s eyes is to apply a slick of Vaseline to the eyelid before applying brown mascara. For the night, think exotic hues to compliment your hair colour- emerald goes perfectly for redheads, peacock blue looks fantastic on blondes and violet-fuchsia hues can be worn by brave brunettes.
For added evening glam, attach 1930’s style false eyelashes, focussing on the corners of your eyes.
As far as 1930’s hair is concerned, if you can achieve the classic finger wave then go for it! Much like the 1920’s, hair should be close to the head at all times.
1940’s
Hair in the 1940’s is combination of big up-do’s and bangs and at last vintage hair begins to favour longer styles. For a classic 1940’s up-do it is easier to start with unwashed hair. For the long tumbling curls, choose a large barrelled curling tong, part at one side before curling. Don’t forget fixing spray before securing at the heavier side with a jewelled clip. We love the range that Accessorize has this winter.
The 1940’s was the era of natural colours for the skin. To achieve this look, lightly apply face powder (to eliminate shine), followed by a sweep of rosy blush. However, this natural base was crowned with a rich lip colour in cherry, orange or brick coloured tones and in a matte finish.
A key tip to achieve top 1940’s vintage style is to match your nail varnish to your accessories and clothing. Hues of navy, mustard and violet were key to the era. Our favourites are from Barry M, which are cheap and long lasting, available at Superdrug.
1950’s
A flick of feline style liquid eyeliner is an essential part of 1950’s makeup. Think Cleopatra, and match the dark eyeliner with a dark eyebrow pencil (although be careful if you don’t have dark hair!)
1950’s was easy on the blush, instead focussing on eyes and lips. Lips were full and red in the style of Marilyn Monroe
Hair begins to get big and bouncy volume, a look easily achieved by blow drying hair with rollers in, available from Boots from just £1.79. Don’t forget to use volumising mousse for ultimate 50’s glam.
50’s women spent a lot of time copying the styles of celebrities. It is the era of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. Hairstyles such as Marilyn’s platinum blonde and Audrey’s crop were hugely popular – so be brave and be a copycat.
1960’s
Think Mary Quant with a focus on thick black eyeliner like pop beauty Ink Outliner £10, which makes for an easy application with its felt-tip pen nib. Look like Twiggy by choosing spiky black lashes to accompany a liner over the top of a white lid base.
For lips, nudes or pale pink hues are perfect for 1960’s style and by avoid lip liner at all costs. Try Benefit full-finish lipstick in mod squad at £14.
Sun kissed skin is a must for a 1960’s glowing complexion. Just don’t overdo it and be careful if you have pale skin – a little goes a long way!
For cute 1960’s hair, tie a simple ribbon into a bow, or use an alice band to push back hair. For a Twiggy-style up-do, opt for a slick, centre-parted bun, secured tightly with a hair elastic at the nape of the neck.
1970’s
Embrace the practicality of 1970’s hair with low-starting plaits and poker straight hair parted in the middle. Or, work the 70’s afro-style if you are lucky enough to be able to!
Makeup for 70’s style can never be too bright. Eyeliners in colour pop hues are perfect and should be applied on both the top and the bottom of the eye. Barry M at Superdrug have a great range which is affordable to all.
To compliment this eyeliner, opt for lengthening mascara as opposed to a volumising one as this will uplift your eyes and make them sparkle.
For a neutral festival glow, choose a translucent powder close to your natural tone and a light blush which will leave all the attention to your eyes.
1980’s
To compliment anything 1980’s, nothing should be understated. Mix glitters, brights and bolds to work the 80’s makeup trends.
Apply heavy eyeliner (coloured or black) on top of bright coloured eye shadow such as limes, turquoises or if you are really brave, neons. For thick and long lasting colour, apply a primer before laying on the colour to ensure that the shadow will stay put.
Opt for colour pop nail varnishes to compliment your outfit and makeup. Pop beauty has a wide range of colours be it glitzy, shimmery or neon for long-lasting nail glam. Our favourite is Grass fluro green for just £6.50.
Big hair is perfect for 80’s style so backcomb to the max and spray it to last. For party style, grab your crimpers or just leave wet, moussed hair in tight plaits until dry and use a fixing spray when you let them down to secure the style.
