Vintage hair and beauty never goes out of style.Whether it’s the soft waves of the 1940s, the glamorous perfection of the 1950s, or the bold mod looks of the 1960s, each decade brings its own unique aspects to makeup and hairstyling. If you want to recreate the elegance of old Hollywood, the flirtations appeal of a 50s bombshell, or the daring innovation of the 60s, you’re in the right place.
The 1940s – Wartime Elegance and Practical Glamour
Makeup Trends
The 1940s were a time of resilience and resourcefulness. With World War II affecting product availability, women had to be creative while still maintaining a polished, feminine look.
- Signature look: Flawless matte skin, softly arched brows, neutral eyeshadows, and bold red lips.
- Eyes: Subtle definition with brown or grey eyeshadow, lightly lined upper lashes, and thin, slightly rounded brows.
- Lips: Red lipstick was a patriotic duty! Popular shades were blue-based reds like those worn by Hollywood stars.
- Face: Minimal contouring, with a focus on a powdery, matte complexion.
Hair Trends
Despite rationing, women still styled their hair into voluminous, structured curls using setting lotion and pin curls.
- Victory Rolls: The ultimate 40s hairstyle, designed to frame the face while keeping hair off the shoulders.
- Hollywood Waves: Long, deep-set waves inspired by stars like Rita Hayworth.
- Gibson Roll and Scarves: Practical updos and scarves helped women maintain stylish looks while working in factories.
The 1950s – The Age of Ultra-Feminine Glamour
Makeup Trends
The post-war boom brought back full-fledged glamour, with a focus in hyper-feminine beauty.
- Signature Look: Flawless skin, arched brows, bold winged eyeliner, and red or pink lips.
- Eyes: The iconic cat-eye flick became a beauty staple, paired with soft, neutral eyeshadows.
- Lips: Red was still popular, but pink and coral shades also became fashionable.
- Face: A perfected, powdered look with subtle, rosy blush on the cheeks.
Hair Trends.
The 1950s were all about soft curls, polished styles, and bombshell volume.
- Marilyn Monroe curls: Sodt, bouncy waves that framed the face.
- Poodle Cut: A short, tight curl piled on the head that was popularised by Lucille Ball.
- Pin-up bangs and Bandanas: Bettie Page’s short, blunt bangs became a defining look, while bandanas remained a stylish and practical accessory for Rockabilly styles.
- Elegant Updos: Grace Kelly’s classic chignons and classic updos were the perfect choice for formal occasions.
The 1960s – Mod Revolution and Playful Beauty
Makeup Trends
The 60s saw a dramatic shift from classic Hollywood glam to more experimental and youthful styles.
- Signature Look: Big eyes, pale lips, and bold lashes.
- Eyes: Cut-crease eyeshadow, thick black eyeliner, and exaggerated lashes (Twiggy popularised drawing on the lower lashes!)
- Lips: Nude, peach, and light pink shades replaced the bold reds of the previous decades.
- Face: A dewy, natural complexion became more popular, moving away from heavy powder.
Hair Trends
Hair in the 1960s was all about volume, sleek styles, and playful cuts.
- Beehive: The ultimate high-volume updo, popularised by Brigitte Bardot and Dusty Springfield.
- Mod Bob: Sleek, short bobs with heavy fringes, as seen on models like Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick.
- Long and Straight: Inspired by the hippie movement, long and flowing hair became a counter-culture statement.
- The Flip: Jackie Kennedy’s iconic, softly curled bob with the ends flipped outward added a touch of fun to more conservative hairstyles.
Bringing Vintage Beauty in to the Present
Whether you love the glamorous curls of the 40s, the pin-up perfection of the 50s, or the bold mod looks of the 60s, vintage beauty is about celebrating creativity and self-expression. We break down each style with step-by-step tutorials, product recommendations, and tips to help you achieve authentic vintage looks.
Are you excited to try vintage hair and beauty for yourself? Which decade’s look do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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