This was the Swing Era and the beginning of Dance Off Competitions. America was involved in the war and women were working becoming more independent. At work and and in their daily lives women supported the war effort. This patriotism inspired the look of this era. Women wore crimson red lipstick as a way to express their support for the troops. Think "Rosie the Riveter" with her blue work shirt, red and white bandana and red lipstick. Hollywood was making strides with the talkie's (movies with sound) and all out glamor was the rage. It was the era of Classic Glamor. Think of the look Joan Crawford, Judy Garland and Lucille Ball presented.
Key points to remember in this era was:
Matte eyeshadow Dark liner on upper lid only sweeping out and up.
Defined thin eye brows.
Flushed red cheeks. Black beauty mark.
Red lips very full at sides. Usually matte.
To begin your look focus on these key points:
BROWS- Begin by shaping the brows. If brows are thick cover with foundation and a little White Eye Pencil to reduce appearance. Brows should look one shade darker than hair color lined thin and arched. Often in this era Brows were very rounded at the sides instead of a long straight extension.
EYES- Use only Matte Eye Shadows. Lighten lid to brow with a light cream shade and define just above crease with a classic brown. Do not apply the defining shade at the outer corner just through and slightly above the eye crease. Line with black liner across the whole lid sweeping up and out passed the crease (like a cat eye) so liner is very noticeable. Do not apply any liner under the lower lashes. If eyes looks washed out apply a very thin line of brown along lower lashes. Use White Eye pencil onto the lower lid ridge to keep eyes open from a distance. Since the eyes swept out far at the side apply a second row of False Lashes cut in half and applied only at the outer eye corners for more lift.
FOUNDATION- Skin should be absolutely flawless. Makeup was heavy in those days and had a bit of a sheen to it. Blend out all imperfections, conceal under eyes and set lightly with a face powder. Add a shimmer to the cheekbones and temple if going for a "Glamor" look. If going for a "Girl Next Door" omit shimmer.
LIPS- Use a true crimson/fire engine Red lip liner and lipstick. Keep lips matte and color as strong as possible. Round out at the sides of the lips both top and bottom creating a wide full mouth. The bow at the top of the upper lip should be round and full not pointy. CHEEKS- are flushed strong with red cheek color. Rounded high on the apples. Avoid applying along the whole cheekbone. Only the front of the face high. EXTRA's- In this era many wore beauty marks. A black beauty mark above the lower lip or at the cheekbone temple creates a Classic Glamor Girl.
For the perfect makeup colors to create this and all era looks see Mode Dion's Pro Kit Stage Drama under Discounted kits in Shopping on modedion.com.
