Makeup is so common today that many of us do not give a second
thought to its beginnings. It is during the formative years of the
1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s that makeup developed most and it
became what we are familiar with today. Each of these decades had
its own style of makeup; its own signature lips, eye makeup, rouge
techniques, etc. This book shows the changes in makeup styles over
these decades and provides practical, easy-to-follow steps and
guidance in recreating a vintage face.
Lauren Rennells has written Retro Makeup: Techniques for Applying
the Vintage Look as a companion book to the internationally
successful Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step
Techniques. That does not mean this is the same book, only about
makeup. With countless hours of research, a multitude of interesting
facts about makeup style during the early and mid-20th century was
unearthed and are provided in Retro Makeup in a fun, colorful layout.
This 104-page full-color book starts with a brief history of makeup
during the Victorian and Edwardian Eras. Next it provides practical
knowledge in applying makeup to help better use the information
provided in the proceeding chapters. Then it jumps into full details
about makeup styles during the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s
with each decade having its own dedicated chapter. Each decade
describes historical events and innovations in products that were
affecting makeup trends, popular shapes, and colors. Also in each
decade are start-to-finish instructions on various makeup looks made
popular by movie stars, models and beauty magazines of the time.