1920s makeup looks were characterized by a youthful glow to contrast the ivory pale skin, achieved using creams, rouge papers, and various foundation liquids. The heavily made-up look of the 1920s was a reaction to the demure, feminine Gibson Girl of the pre-war period. Women during that era took full advantage of new products and sported heavily lined eyes and tiny dark lips. Here are some details about the products, positive and negative aspects, and ingredients or materials used in 1920s makeup looks:
Products:
- Lips: Lips were smaller than the natural outline and fashioned into the ‘cupid’s bow’ shape. Lipstick was a popular product, and metal lip tracers were developed to ensure flawless lipstick application.
- Lashes: Mascara was the new rage, and no woman could resist enhancing her lashes.
- Rouge: Applied in circles rather than angular. The effect was a rounded face.
- Nails: The popular style was the ‘moon manicure’ leaving the tip painted.
Positive aspects:
- The 1920s makeup look was a reaction to the demure, feminine Gibson Girl of the pre-war period.
- Women found a new need to wear more makeup, as a skewed postwar sex ratio created a new emphasis on sexual beauty.
Negative aspects:
- Substances like lead, arsenic, mercury, and zinc oxide were quite common in pre-1910s cosmetics and they truly damaged the health of women who dared wearing them.
- Face powder made from lead and sometimes arsenic was produced in Italy and France.
Ingredients or materials:
- Creams, rouge papers, and various foundation liquids were used to achieve a youthful glow.
- Metal lip tracers were developed to ensure flawless lipstick application.
- Substances like lead, arsenic, mercury, and zinc oxide were quite common in pre-1910s cosmetics.
