50s Makeup: Step-by-Step to Achieve the Timeless Vintage Look

There’s something special about the beauty of the 1950s. Maybe it’s the red lips. Maybe it’s the perfect eyeliner flick. Or maybe it’s how polished everything looked—like every detail was intentional. 50s makeup isn’t just a trend; it’s a timeless statement.

Whether you’re dressing up for a vintage shoot, going full glam for a themed night, or just want to channel that classic Hollywood feel, this guide walks you through the real deal—exactly how makeup was done back then. No modern edits. Just the original look, recreated step by step.

The 1950s Makeup Vibe: What Made It Iconic?

The 50s were all about elegance and femininity. After the simplicity of wartime beauty in the 40s, women were ready to go full glam again—and it showed.

Some of the must-haves in every 1950s makeup routine:

• Matte, flawless skin
• Soft, defined eyes with a subtle wing
• Strong brows (no overplucking allowed!)
• Thick lashes on top, bare on the bottom
• Delicate blush
• A powerful red lip to finish it all off

50s makeup was more than just beauty—it was a part of a woman’s daily presentation. You were expected to look “done,” even just to go to the grocery store.

Eyes First: Shadow the 50s Way

In the 50s, eyeshadow was simple but very intentional. Women usually used just one color, softly blended across the lid to define the eyes.

Popular shades? Think:

• Brown
• Gray
• Soft gold
• Baby pink
• Muted green or blue

For this look, a shimmery brown shade was used right on the lid, pulled slightly into the outer corner to shape the eye into that signature almond look. Blending it out with a matte skin-tone shade softened any harsh lines and kept it natural.

The result? That subtle yet sculpted eye that was everywhere in vintage ads.

The Classic Winged Eyeliner (The Star of the Show)

Let’s be real: when people think of 50s makeup, the first thing that comes to mind is the eyeliner.

That classic flick at the outer corner of the eye was everything. It lifted the eye, added structure, and looked amazing on camera—even in black and white.

Here’s how it was done:

• A gel or cream liner (back then, usually in a pot) applied with a fine brush
• A precise, soft flick that hugged the upper lash line
• Only the top lash line—no liner on the bottom

The goal wasn’t a dramatic wing—it was more like a subtle lift. Just enough to elongate the eye and frame it perfectly.

Brows That Framed the Face

Forget super-thin brows—50s makeup was all about a strong arch. Brows were full but groomed, with a high arch and a clean taper at the end.

To get the look:

• Sketch out the shape first with a pencil
• Keep the inner brow thicker
• Emphasize the upper line to lift the eye
• Taper softly at the end

This brow shape gave structure to the whole face and balanced out the strong lips and liner. If you’re not used to bold brows, it might feel dramatic at first—but it pulls the whole look together.

Lashes on Top, Bare on Bottom

One of the most interesting things about 50s makeup? Mascara only went on the top lashes. That’s right—bottom lashes were left completely bare.

The idea was to open the eyes and keep the look clean.

Here’s how to recreate it:

• Curl your lashes first
• Apply black mascara to the top lashes only
• Add false lashes (like Red Cherry #523) for extra volume if you want that Hollywood effect
• Tightline the upper waterline to make the lash base look darker

The end result: soft, fluttery lashes that lift the eye without weighing it down.

Flawless, Matte Skin (No Glow Here)

In the 1950s, the goal was perfect, matte skin. The glow we love today? That wasn’t the vibe. Foundation was full coverage and powder was non-negotiable.

To recreate:

• Use a full-coverage foundation that evens out everything
• Blend it in really well—no streaks allowed
• Set with a translucent loose powder for that smooth, powdery finish

Fun fact: green powders were introduced to cancel out redness, and peach powders were used for warmth. The complexion was even, soft, and smooth—like porcelain.

Subtle Blush, Placed Just Right

Blush wasn’t meant to stand out—it was there to warm up the face a little after all that foundation and powder.

The technique:

• Use a soft pink or coral blush
• Lightly dust on the apples of the cheeks, then blend upward
• Add a little along the hairline and sometimes across the eyelids for a natural flush

The idea was to bring life back to the skin—without stealing attention from the lips.

Red Lips: The Heart of the Look

This is what 50s makeup is most known for. A clean, classic red lip tied everything together.

Here’s how to do it:

• Line the lips with a red pencil, slightly overdrawing if needed (especially on the top)
• Apply a true red lipstick—cool or warm depending on your undertone
• Clean up the edges with concealer for a crisp shape

Whether you’re channeling Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, or your own version of vintage glam, the red lip seals the deal.

And if red’s not your vibe? Soft pinks were popular among younger women at the time—but red was definitely queen.

Finish It Off With Matching Nails

In true 1950s fashion, your nail polish should match your lipstick. Red lips? Red nails. Pink lips? Pink nails.

This small detail made everything look intentional—and in that era, coordination was part of the glam.

1950s Makeup Recap (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a quick breakdown if you’re recreating this 50s makeup look at home:

What to Do
Apply shimmery brown shadow on lids, blend edges softly
Use gel liner to draw a thin wing on upper lash line
Define brows with a pencil, create a bold arch
Curl top lashes, apply mascara (top only), use false lashes if desired
Apply full-coverage foundation, set with powder
Lightly dust blush on cheeks, temples, and forehead
Line and fill lips with red lipstick
Match nail polish to lipstick color

Final Thoughts

Recreating 50s makeup isn’t just about products—it’s about the attitude. This look is graceful, powerful, and unapologetically feminine. It’s clean. It’s bold. It’s timeless.

You don’t need to follow every step every day, but if you ever want to feel like a vintage icon? Just swipe on a red lip, flick that liner, and carry yourself like you just stepped out of a classic film.

Old-school glam never goes out of style—and now, you know exactly how to wear it.