Fashion History

Authentic 1920s Flapper Makeup Look Tutorial


Travel back to the roaring 20s with this 1920s flapper makeup. Draw the perfect perfect cupids bow lips and downturned eyes for your next Great Gatsby party.

How to look like a real flapper - makeup tutorial

The vampy makeup look of the iconic flapper was inspired by the great silent films icons of the 1920s. From Theda Bara to Greta Garbo, the classic sad eye, or downturned eyes and cupids bow lip was a creation of Hollywood. It was only natural that liberated women who were happy to crop their hair, would have given no second thought to lashing on the makeup for a night out at the Jazz club.

Makeup Tutorial to achieve an Authentic 1920s Makeup Look

Time needed: 20 minutes

How to Makeup Like an Authentic 1920s Flapper

  1. Foundation

    Foundation. Apply a thick layer of matte foundation in a pale shade all over your face.foundation - 1920s makeup look

  2. Brows – Downturned Eyes Look

    Using a black pencil, draw a straight line creating the effect of a “sad eyebrow” tending downward at the outer corner of the eye. Blend the pencil using an angled brush, leaving the eyebrow graphic.
     downturned eyes - 1920s makeup

  3. Eyeliner

    Using a black pencil, draw a line along the upper lashes. Use your finger to blend the line for a soft, dramatic look. Add pencil along the upper contour of the eye for emphasis. Draw the outline of the lower eyelid with a black pencil and blend the line using an angled brush.
     eyeliner - 1920s makeup

  4. Blue Shimmer Eyeshadow

    Apply blue shimmer shadows to the entire eyelid using your finger and blend the edges with a brush.blue shimmer eyeshadow - 1920s makeup

  5. Taupe Eyeshadow

    Apply taupe shadow into the crease of the eyelid, up to the brow bone and along the lower lash line.eyeshadow - 1920s flapper makeup

  6. Powder

    Apply white powder under your eyes and around your nose.
     powder eyes and nose - 1920s flapper makeup

  7. Mascara

    Apply two coats of black mascara to your upper and lower lashes.mascara - 1920s flapper makeup

  8. Blush

    Apply two layers of berry cream blush to the center of your cheeks using your fingers and a sponge.blush - 1920s makeup

  9. Lips

    Tint your lips with foundation, removing natural contours.
     lips - 1920s flapper

  10. Second Layer of Lipstick

    Using berry-coloured lipstick, draw heart-shaped lips, adjusting the shape using a brush.
    Apply a second layer of lipstick.berry lipstick

  11. The Final Look

    Thanks to Irina @RetroFrog for this lovely 1920s flapper look. There’ll be more makeup tutorials from Irina exploring the golden age of Hollywood very soon.1920s flapper makeup look

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