The 1920s, a period often spoken of with a bit of a grin, was a time when things really began to shift, especially for women and how they chose to present themselves. It was, you see, the decade where fashion truly stepped into a more current way of doing things, leaving behind some of the more restrictive styles that had been around for a very long time. Women, it seems, were ready to wear things that felt a little more freeing, which then, of course, opened up a whole new world for beauty routines and how people thought about them.
This particular stretch of ten years, sometimes called the "roaring twenties," had a lot going on, particularly in places like the United States and other Western countries. There was a lot of economic movement, and people felt a certain energy in the air. For Black Americans, as a matter of fact, this time also brought some significant economic and political advancements, which, quite frankly, challenged the old ways of thinking and the difficult social setup that had been in place.
So, with all this change brewing, from women getting the right to cast their votes in 1920 to the very first commercial radio broadcast hitting the airwaves, it was clear that society was moving forward in big ways. This era, a period of dramatic shifts in how people lived, earned money, and expressed themselves, naturally brought about big changes in beauty, and specifically, in how people approached 1920s makeup. We are going to take a closer look at what made 1920s makeup so special, and why it still captures our attention today.
Table of Contents
- How Did the 1920s Change Everything for Makeup?
- What Influenced the Iconic 1920s Makeup Styles?
- Was Makeup Accepted Before the 1920s?
- Creating the Classic 1920s Makeup Look- What Was Popular?
How Did the 1920s Change Everything for Makeup?
The 1920s, often spoken of as the "roaring twenties," was not just a time for new music, like jazz, or for the lively flappers, or even for the period when alcohol was forbidden. It was, essentially, a really important era for how people thought about makeup. Before this time, how women wore cosmetics was, in some respects, quite different, and the industry that made these products was pretty new. Women were just starting to get used to the idea of wearing makeup more openly, which is something we hardly think about today, you know?
This period, roughly from 1920 to 1929, saw big social, money-related, and cultural shifts, mainly in the United States and parts of Europe. It was a time of general prosperity, which, as a matter of fact, later gave way to a difficult economic downturn. But during those good years, there was a lot of new energy. People were exploring new ways of living, and this included how they looked. The period saw a rise in buying things just for personal use, and new cultural movements, like jazz music, really took hold. So, it was a time when beauty products and lines really began to appear on the scene.
Breaking Free- The Social Shift and 1920s Makeup
Think about it: before the 1920s, cosmetics were often looked down upon by most people, by various religious groups, and even by what was considered stylish. But then, as the decade began, things really started to change. Women were, for example, moving away from clothes that felt very confining, choosing instead to wear things that allowed for more movement and freedom. This shift in clothing was a big deal, and it went hand-in-hand with a new sense of independence that women were experiencing.
The right to vote, gained in 1920, was a huge step, obviously, giving women a stronger voice in society. This new feeling of having more control over their lives extended to how they chose to present themselves. It was, in a way, a quiet rebellion against older ideas about what was proper. The idea of an international beauty culture, something that connected women across different places through shared looks and products, really began to take shape during this time. This meant that the way people thought about 1920s makeup was changing on a very wide scale.
What Influenced the Iconic 1920s Makeup Styles?
So, if women were starting to wear makeup more, where did they get their ideas from? Well, a big source of inspiration, honestly, came from the movies. Cinema, you see, had a truly powerful effect on women during this period. Actresses were seen as these wonderful, appealing figures, almost like guiding lights for what was considered stylish. Faces like Clara Bow, Gloria Swanson, Louise Brooks, and Greta Garbo were everywhere, and women wanted to look like them. Their appearances in silent films, with their striking, jazz-age looks, really set the standard for what was popular in 1920s makeup.
The images of these movie stars, with their specific eye makeup and lip shapes, were copied by women who wanted to be just as modern and fashionable. It was a time when the "film star look" became the gold standard for beauty. This particular style emphasized certain features: long eyelashes that really stood out, eyebrows that were clearly shaped and defined, cheeks that had a healthy, pink glow, and lips that were a deep, bright red. This combination created a face that was, well, quite dramatic and memorable, and you can still see its influence today, in a way.
Silver Screen Sparkle- Cinema's Mark on 1920s Makeup
When Clara Bow and Louise Brooks appeared on the big screen, their faces, with those very expressive, jazz-inspired looks, became instantly famous. These women, with their bold eye makeup and distinct lip shapes, basically showed everyone what was in style. It was the first time, pretty much, in the United States where women really got into wearing a full face of makeup. So, the looks these actresses wore were the ones that caught on. You could say, for example, that the silver screen was like a giant beauty magazine, showing everyone the latest trends in 1920s makeup.
The movies offered a window into a world of glamour and new ideas, and women were quick to pick up on what they saw. An original 1920s makeup instruction book, for instance, might teach you how to get that flapper look, maybe even from someone who was a flapper back in 1928. These books would often focus on specific elements, like how to create a kohl eye, which was a very popular part of the 1920s makeup style. It was a clear sign that beauty was becoming something that could be learned and practiced, not just something you were born with.
Ancient Inspirations for 1920s Makeup
It might seem a bit surprising, but even ancient figures had a hand in shaping the 1920s makeup look. The iconic Egyptian queen Nefertiti, for example, was a very strong influence on makeup and style during the 1920s and even into the 1930s. This was especially clear in the way people styled their eyes and lips. Her striking, bold look, often seen in art from that time, seemed to resonate with the modern desire for a strong, defined face.
The fascination with ancient Egypt, which was popular at the time, brought new ideas about beauty into the mainstream. This meant that elements from historical looks were, in a way, being brought back and given a fresh spin for the modern woman. So, while you had the movie stars setting the immediate trends, there was also this deeper current of historical inspiration, giving 1920s makeup a bit of a timeless feel, even as it was breaking new ground.
Was Makeup Accepted Before the 1920s?
Before the 1920s, the idea of women wearing makeup was, frankly, quite different. Most women, aside from perhaps older women who might use just a little bit of makeup to keep up appearances, rarely put on cosmetics. In fact, for many, it was seen as something "improper" or even "indecent" for women to wear makeup openly. It was a time when cosmetic products were, for a long stretch, frowned upon by the general public, by various religious groups, and even by the prevailing fashion standards of the day. So, you can see, the shift that happened in the 1920s was pretty big.
The change wasn't just about what was considered pretty; it was also about what was considered acceptable in society. The 1920s really marked a turning point where beauty products started to surface more widely and openly. Compared to the huge number of makeup items we have today, the choices back then were, of course, much smaller. But the very fact that these products were becoming available and that women were starting to use them more freely was a significant step. It shows how much the social rules around personal appearance were changing, and that's something that, you know, really set the stage for modern beauty.
Creating the Classic 1920s Makeup Look- What Was Popular?
The 1920s is often called the "golden age of makeup" for a good reason. This was the time when specific looks became truly iconic and widely copied. If you wanted to get that classic 1920s makeup look, you'd be aiming for something inspired by those film stars. The goal was to emphasize certain features to create a striking, sometimes dramatic, appearance. It was a style that was, you know, very much about making a statement with your face, which was a new idea for many women.
The style typically involved making your eyelashes look long and full, perhaps with mascara or even false lashes, which were becoming more common. Eyebrows were a big focus too; they were usually thin and drawn in a straight, sometimes downturned, line to give a thoughtful or even a slightly sad expression. Cheeks would have a flush of color, usually a rosy pink, to give a healthy glow. And then there were the lips, which were almost always a bright, deep red, shaped into a very distinct "Cupid's bow" or a "bee-stung" look. This overall combination was, well, pretty unmistakable for 1920s makeup.
Crafting the Flapper Face- Key 1920s Makeup Elements
To really get that flapper beauty look, which is what the roaring '20s are known for, you had to pay attention to a few key things. This was, remember, the first period in the United States where women truly got into wearing a full face of makeup, so the styles that came out of it were pretty bold. You might, for example, find an old lipstick stencil from the 1920s that would help you create that perfect "Cupid's bow" shape on your lips, which was a very popular feature of 1920s makeup.
The eyes were also a big part of the flapper face. They were often made to look a bit downturned, creating a soulful or even a slightly sleepy appearance, which was considered quite chic. This was often achieved with dark eyeliner and eyeshadow, giving a smoky, mysterious effect. So, if you were getting ready for, say, a party with a "Great Gatsby" theme, you'd definitely want to try drawing those perfect Cupid's bow lips and those expressive, downturned eyes to really capture the spirit of 1920s makeup. It was, in a way, all about creating a specific character with your face.
.jpg)
