The 1920s are one of my favourite era’s, simply for the fashion , hair and makeup.

The makeup was so elegant and anything but natural looking. The face was matte, the eyes were smoky and the lips were deep red. The hair was short, finger waves were the norm and hairbands were an absolute must. 

Eyes

Step 1: Using a small amount of matte, black shadow on a pencil brush, draw a “V” shape at the outer corner of the eye and slowly drag the colour into the crease. Start off with a small amount of product and gradually build it up, it’s easier to build up colour than it is to take it off.

Step 2: Using the same pencil brush run the colour along the lower lash line to get a smoky effect.

Step 3: With a tapered precision shadow brush apply some more black shadow through the crease of the eye, using windscreen wiping motions through the crease.

Step 4: Using the same brush drag the colour along the lower lash line.

Step 5: Using a blending brush soften the colour so the edges of the shadow are diffused.

Step 6: It should look a little like this (don’t stress if it isn’t perfect the ‘20s was all about the imperfect smoky eye)

Step 7: Using a “C” shaped eyeshadow brush pat a shimmery charcoal eyeshadow onto the eyelid.

Step 8: Smudge some of that eyeshadow into the lower lash line.

Step 9: Using the same blending brush as before blend the black shadow & charcoal shadow together..

Step 10: Using a clean fluffy blending eyeshadow brush diffuse any harsh edges.

Step 11: Apply a black pencil eyeliner on the lower lash line, in between the lashes.

Step 12: Using a smudging brush smudge the colour in between the lashes, the whole point is for it to look a little messy.

Step 13: Using the same eyeliner apply it to the upper lash line, right in between the lashes.

Step 14: Smudge out the eyeliner again using the same smudging brush.

Step 15: Apply a black pencil eyeliner to your waterline

Step 16: After curling your lashes, apply two to three coats of mascara. Try layering different mascaras for the best results. False lashes can be worn but, aren’t necessary as lashes weren’t huge in the ‘20s.

Face

After using a face wipe to remove any eyeshadow fallout prep your skin with a good moisturiser & primer. Next apply a good, matte finish medium coverage foundation. It’s always best to start off with less product than you think you need and gradually build up coverage than to apply too much product, too soon.

Apply concealer under your eyes, when wearing dark eyes it’s important to conceal under the eye area or you may look tired. Concealing will also give a cleaner edge to your eyes.  If you have any blemishes or other skin concerns use a concealer to cover them now.

Blend in your concealer using your fingertips, the warmth will help your concealer blend into the skin and look the most natural. To maintain the most coverage use a “patting” motion to blend.

It was all about a flawless matte complexion in the ‘20s so set your skin with a good matte powder. Using pressing and rolling motions to apply the powder so that you don’t disturb the foundation underneath.

Eye makeup is often attracted to creamy concealers so set underneath your eyes with some translucent powder on a fluffy blending eyeshadow brush to prevent smudging. For best results use “windscreen wiping” motions.

Contouring wasn’t commonly used in the ‘20s as faces were quite rounded but, I like to apply a little underneath the cheekbones to give the face more shape.

Apply a small amount of wine coloured blush high up on the cheekbones and onto the apples of the cheeks to give cheeks a subtle flush of colour.

Lips

After applying lip balm, allowing it to absorb and then blotting, use a lip liner. The lips were very rounded and small in the 1920s so start off by drawing an “X” on your cupids bow using a lip liner and really round of the edges. You can under-draw the lips if you like (just prep lips with concealer first) but I prefer to follow the natural shape.

So that lip colour doesn’t fade fill in your whole mouth with a lip liner.

Using a lip brush apply a deep, berry red shade to the lips. In the ‘20s lips were deep berry red with a demi-matte finish (neither matte nor glossy) so blot and leave the lipstick as is.

Done! (PS: I LOVE this hairband from *Lady Jayne)

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