Choose a Period make-up style? Help!!

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Nov 26, 2014

Gemma W.

Hi girls, so for my second to last assignment in college I have to do a 'period' makeup look. I'm stuck! There is so many I can't decide. So here are the looks I can choose from; Egyptian Ancient Greek Middle Ages Elizabethian
17th/18th century
19th century
The 1920s
The 1940s
The 1960s
The 1970s
The 1980s

So many to choose from right?
Hope someone can help me decide!
Thankyou x

Nov 26, 2014

Sam R.

Egyptian!! :)

Nov 26, 2014

Tatumn M.

I absolutely adore the 1920s!! Flapper girls were all the rage. It consisted of pale skin, thin eyebrows, smoky eyes, and a dark or red lip. If I was in your shoes, I would go with 1920s!!

Nov 26, 2014

Lara R.

Why not like Marie Antoniette?? :D.

Nov 26, 2014

Elizabeth P.

I agree with Sam do an Egyptian look!!

Nov 26, 2014

Georgia O.

I've seen 20's makeup and they are really nice:)

Nov 26, 2014

Emily B.

Egyptian.

Nov 26, 2014

Emily B.

But look up the hieroglyphics from Ancient Egypt to get ideas for that don't go Hollywood based.

Nov 26, 2014

Marae M.

the 1920s!

Nov 26, 2014

Shiro M.

The 20s for sure!

Nov 26, 2014

Lucia J.

1920s!!

Nov 27, 2014

Cece W.

middle ages

Nov 27, 2014

Maile C.

I would say Egyptian or Elizabetihan!

Nov 27, 2014

Taylor G.

Egyptian would be so cool and unique

Nov 27, 2014

Melanie S.

1920s or Egyptian. (:

Nov 27, 2014

Emily W.

Ooh 18th century!

20's

Nov 27, 2014

Evie G.

Do sixties and be Audrey Hepburn!!

Nov 27, 2014

Ziar K.

Egyptian!

Nov 27, 2014

Alice L.

20's

Nov 27, 2014

Laura R.

Egyptian

Nov 29, 2014

Brittany W.

20's

Nov 30, 2014

Emily W.

Please note that real ancient Egyptian makeup was not the same as they depicted in their (highly stylized) art. In the New Kingdom, they used a lead ore called galena to line their eyes and prevent infection. It was a blue-grey powdery liner that they applied all around their eyes with a smokey result. In the Old and Middle Kingdoms, they used a green malachite-based paint under their eyes. Throughout Old and New Kingdoms they used red ochre as blush. If your assignment is to stay true to the period you choose, ancient Egyptian makeup is kind of... unattractive (to put it kindly)... compared to your other options.

I put together a couple of pictures with some basics about each era and an example to get your inspiration flowing. :)

Ancient Egypt: (see notes above)

Ancient Rome: fashion was white faces with soft pink blush, kohl liner, blue or green eyeshadow (made from malachite or azurite). Long lashes were considered a sign of purity/virginity. Dark heavy brows that almost met in the center were fashionable.

16th century: makeup was generally avoided as it was considered vain and blasphemous

17th and 18th centuries: focus on exaggerated white faces (thick paint and powder), heavy red rouge was applied on the cheeks in a stripe, an inverted triangle, or a circle. Little eye makeup was used. Soft pink lips were fashionable. Pock marks and blemishes were covered with little leather or velvet patches, often in bright colors or interesting shapes (e.g. stars, hearts).

19th century and 1910s: return to more natural, soft looks. Gibson Girl became popular ideal.

Nov 30, 2014

Emily W.

1920s: Coco Chanel makes the suntan fashionable; red blush applied to the cheeks then softened with face powder, a downward sloped brow was popular, dark shadow was smudged on the lid for evening and accentuated with mascara. Lips were drawn into the exaggerated bee-stung shape with red lipstick.

1930s: thin, highly arched brows were in fashion; blue, brown, and purple shadows were applied to the lid for evening, mascara was used to emphasize the eyes. Lips were drawn in the rosebud shape with red or pink lipstick.

1940s: a soft complexion was achieved with face powder; blush was applied to the cheeks and temples. Brows were thicker and more naturally groomed. Muted grey shadow was applied to the lid for evening. Lips were rounded and accentuated with red lipstick.

Nov 30, 2014

Emily W.

1950s: soft complexion again achieved with powder; blush applied lightly for rosey cheeks. Brows were thick and filled, with a clean arch. Dark shadows were applied to the lid for evening, and accentuated with black liquid liner applied in a slight outward flick. Mascara finished the eyes. Red or pink lips were popular, with a sharp cupid's bow.

1960s: the rise of the feminist movement lead to a backlash against makeup, and many people chose to go without. However, the British Invasion of fashion and music lead to a popular "mod" subculture, exemplified by Twiggy. Graphic black liquid liner, bold eyelashes, and nude lips were popular in this style.

1970s: the feminist and natural movements continued, and cosmetics were more subdued. Earth tones were favored, and makeup was light. During the disco era, sparkly shadow applied under thin brows was popular. Reds, terracottas, and browns were popular choices for lipsticks.