Makeup for a 1930's Actress

Quick Tip

Is there anything more glamorous than being someone you are not, and I think that a starlet might be a very good place to start. In fact, you might amaze yourself at the results! Lets base your makeover on a film star straight out of the thirties.

Foundation: Look for a foundation that has a little sparkle already added, or add a pinch of cosmetic grate glitter to the foundation that you regularly use.

Concealer: I don't know what the makeup artists used in the thirties, but starlet's complexions ALWAYS looked flawless. So, if you need concealer, apply whatever is necessary with the aid of a foundation brush.

Shading and Highlighting: Not needed, unless you are attempting to thin a nose, or widen a jawline. This can get rather complicated, so I would skip this step unless you really know what you are doing.

Eye Liner: I would choose a liquid liner and draw a fine line following the natural lash line.

Mascara: Curl the lashes and then apply a lengthening mascara to the top and bottom lashes, being sure to give the same emphasis to top and bottom.

Eye Brows: Brows were extremely thin in the thirties, and there is only one way to copy these brows and that is with an eyebrow wax, followed by a sealer. Allow to dry and then paint over the brow with foundation. This should completely cover the "old brows". Powder and then draw in the brow of the thirties... which is basically one line that archs over the eye and then gently drops. And yes, it is just one fine line. Nothing more. *Actually I did a little asking around and I found that makeup artists often use a bar of soap to keep the brows in place before applying a layer of wax. You might want to give this additional step a try.

Eye Shadow: I would choose a shadow that is as close to your natural skintone as possible. It is quite possible that it will be an apricot tint. A darker brown or even a gray-black can be smudged into the crease area for evening wear.

Blush: Lets use a bright pink or a tawny shade (depending on your coloring) and work it over the cheekbones. Blend, blend and then blend some more.

Lipstick: With a lip brush, draw the lipline carefully and then fill in with a matte lipstick for daywear and glossy for evening wear. We don't want shine for this particular look. To ensure staying power, blot the lips and then re-apply. It's an old trick, but one that really works.

One last thing... if you can get your hands on a platinum blonde wig, that would be the finishing touch.