DIY: Authentic Flapper Makeup
In the spirit of Halloween, this week we're going back in time to one of my favorite decades. Both in the world of fashion, and the world of makeup.
Clara Bow was arguably the most sought after actress of the 1920s. She rose to quick stardom when she starred in the original 'IT'- The 'IT' Girl in 1927. The film is a silent black-and-white romantic comedy that tells the shopgirl Betty's (Clara) story of how she fantasizes over her handsome and exceptionally rich department store boss. Clara is also an amazing example of the true 'flapper' girl. Everyone loves the style...and the costumes are always fun to look at but, we wanted to delve into the truth. Using Clara as our inspiration, this week's blog features a makeup tutorial presented by Laura McElroy Beauty on the beautiful Erin Giegling that is reflective of authentic 1920s 'Flapper Girl' makeup.
Prep: Prepare your face with a moisturizer and primer. Be sure to also use an eye primer to help keep this look all night long. Elf makes a great eye primer that you can find at Target for only $1! In the 1920s, eyebrows were bowed down, dark and very thin.
To create this look:
1) use a concealer to 'hide' any excess brow hair you may have
2) use a dark pencil to define your brow into a long, slender shape that curves downward past the outer part of your eye
3) if you have a high arch in your brow, you will also need to conceal that to make your shape flat.
Your goal is thin and flat in shape and dark in color.
Eyes: Grab a blending brush and apply a taupe shadow all the way from the inner corner of your eye all the way up to your brow line. Curve this shadow over your entire lid and make sure to keep the shadow rounded around the outer corner of your eye.
An optional more dramatic look, like as is pictured, use a flat synthetic brush to apply a black cream base to your eyelid and blend it in towards your nose and underneath the front of your brow.
Polishing Eyes: Use a flat-tipped brush or a sponge-tipped applicator to apply black or dark brown shadow over your lid from your nose to the outer part of your eye. Use a fluffy brush to blend into the taupe shadow but make sure you're being mindful of the shape of your eye. Maintain that downturned rounded shape. Rim your eyes with a black kohl eyeliner and use a Q-Tip to blend it into your lashes. Repeat this on your bottom lashes. Finish with mascara.
Face: In the 20s, it was common for women to lighten their skin. Especially on stage. Next you'll apply your concealer and foundation. If you're not in the market to purchase a new foundation for your costume just pour what you need onto a little wax paper (or any flat surface) and add a little white cream makeup to your color. You can find that at any Halloween store. Blend the two together and you'll have the perfect shade. Apply the foundation to your lips as well.
Blush: Apply a red-blue shaded cream blush to the apples of your cheeks. If you have a lipstick that fits this description more than you do a blush - that works just as well! In this case, a little bit will go a long way. Use your fingertips to blend the color into your cheeks. If you'd rather use a powder blush, that's fine too...just set your face with a translucent powder BEFORE you apply your blush. Finish your face by setting your makeup with a HD powder or just a translucent powder.
Lips: Grab a liner that is in a red-blue color (or any red will work) and line your lips. You'll want to purse your lips to get the right shape. In the 20s, women paid strong attention to their Cupid's bow and so this should be defined. There's a good chance you'll be thinning your natural lip.
Use a lip brush to fan out the liner and blend it into your lip a bit. Finish with your lipstick. Red is what you want. Applying your lipstick with a brush will keep it precise. Add a little concealer and powder around your lip again to really define the shape.
Clean up a little if necessary: pointy Q-Tips are great for this.
The finished product. Erin is the perfect example of authentic 1920s style.
To finish off the flapper look, thrown on a fun and flirty dress and play it up with lots of jewels and accessories!
What are you going to be for Halloween? Share your makeup fixes, your costumes and your holiday spirit with us on Instagram: @ChelseasBoutiqueSD and Twitter: @ChelseasOnline
