The Correct way to apply 1940s style makeup –
from Makeup & Beauty – 1940’s Vintage Guides.
1. Cleansing:
First remove all old makeup with cleansing cream which should be applied in an upward and outward circular movement. Remove cleansing cream, first with cleansing tissue and then with soap and water. Failure to remove all trace of cleansing cream will cause the face to look greasy. If skin is oily follow removal of cleansing cream with a skin freshener.
2.Foundation Cream or Pan-Cake:
Apply foundation cream or pancake as explained in the chapter on this subject [ see 1940’s Guides]
3. Moist Rouge:
See Do’s and Don’ts following your particular type chart [ Secret 1940’s Makeup Tricks ].
4. Eye-Shadow:
For best results, always apply before powdering. See chapter on correct makeup for the eyes. [ see 1940’s Guides].
5. Powdering:
Inspect make-up carefully before powdering. be on the lookout for telltale lines of demarcation. Pat powder on – never rub it on! Use generously and remove all surplus with a brush. You may use a powder that is lighter than your foundation but never one that is darker.
Remove all trace of powder from the hairline. You now have the perfect feminine countenance upon which to paint your face.
6. Eyebrow Pencil:
Make up the eyebrow delicately as explained the chapter on correct makeup for the eyes [ see 1940’s Guides]. use a stiff-bristled brush to remove surplus powder and shape the line of the brow.
7. Mascara:
Apply mascara as indicated, drawing the eyelid gently upward while at the same time endeavoring to keep the eye closed. this will enable you to apply mascara to the entire lash and prevent flutter. Follow the same procedure in applying mascara to the lower lashes, putting fingers [ lightly dusted with powder if you wish] on the cheek and gently pulling downward. The eye should be kept open.
8. Dry Rouge:
In order to remove any oil which might have been conveyed to the face and which would cause a blotchy make-up, powder again before applying dry rouge. As explained in the chapter on moist and dry rouge, the former is used to create the required contour and illusion, the latter to complete the makeup. [ see 1940’s Guides].
9. Lip Make-up:
Download the full book to your smartphone or tablet or PC Now.
See chapter on your face type chart [see also Secret 1940’s Makeup Tricks]. Also refer to chapter on lip makeup where you will find listed nine rules for the building of lovely, natural looking lips.
[ see also How to have lovely 1940s Lips ]
For more on 1940s makeup tips – see The History of makeup – 1940s.
I enjoy your site. Even though I have never posted until now, I do read it two or three times a week. You always have something interesting to share.
Why is there no mention of false eyelashes? Whenever I watch a forties movie, I can always see the false eyelashes during the actresses’ close ups.
Are false eyelashes just unmentionable? Or very uncommon for the public? Surely the forties public did not think that false eyelash effect was achievable with just mascara?
In the 40’s more women were in the work force because of the war. Mostly Movie Stars and the wealthy wore false eyelashes more often than the everyday woman.