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When you really start to dig, beauty is a truly fascinating subject. Our looks have always been something we’ve been interested in and something we have spent time over, working to make the best out of our assets. Even 5000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians wore kohl liner and darkened the lips to enhance their appearance.
Beauty really started to develop in the 1900s, developing into the mainstream. Mass production and celebrities had a large impact on the industry. As far as we are concerned, the 20th century was the most exciting in beauty.
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The early 1900s
Firstly, In the early 1900s a pale look was very popular. This would later be changed by Coco Chanel.
You will have applied lemon juice to your skin like a toner to try and make your skin paler, as if you had a tan this implied you were lower class.
In the early 1900s makeup was very much a DIY job. The objective was to create a youthful and natural look. You will have worn make-up if you were a woman of the stage and/or a prostitute. So, makeup had to be natural and barely there.
Makeup innovations…
Secondly, The first makeup brands to start mass producing products were Maybelline and Max Factor. You were now able to buy basic products like mascara, eyeshadow and lipsticks from drug stores.
Beauty in the 1920s…
Thirdly, 1920s makeup was very different to just ten years ago. In the ‘20s the first artificial makeup look was created. You had dark eyes with lots of mascara, a red lip with a strong cupids bow, etc. You would wear Revlon on your nails and the ‘moon manicure’ was popular, where only the tip would be painted.
Beauty in the 1920s & ‘40s…
In general, Movie stars greatly influenced beauty looks in the ‘30s. As a result, Pencil thin eyebrows was the standout feature in the ‘30s, and you would pluck your brows off completely and drawing them back on every morning. You would define your cheekbones using blusher underneath them. Colourful eyeshadows were used.
Elizabeth Arden was a popular name in beauty in the ‘40s. You'd wear your hair up in the ‘40s with prominent arched brows and redder than red lipstick and nails.
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Beauty in the 1950s & ‘60s
In The 1950s, unknown models start to rival the big Hollywood names in becoming the faces of the big brands. Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn had a big impact on 1950s beauty. You wore winged eyeliner in the 1950s, which is still one of the most popular eye looks today.
Truly, the ‘60s was an amazing era for makeup. Brows got bigger and eyeliner was the most important makeup tool. You would apply false lashes to both the top and bottom lids . Twiggy was an iconic face of the ‘60s.
Overall, from applying lemon juice to the skin to create a pale took, to false lashes, bold brow looks and bright lipstick, it’s safe to say makeup was really embraced in the 1900s, and your development into the boom began!
What are your favourite looks? Comment and let us know. We can help you look stylish throughout your career, with our beauty tunics and beauty uniforms.