Pin-up makeup, the most beloved retro makeup step-by-step

Pin-up makeup is specific to a decade characterized by elegance and sensuality, the models, the artists and actresses received, for the first time in history, the sex symbol label.

The Pin-up style was distinguished during the 1940’s as a way of promoting the public figures of the period, through the photos and erotic touches from calendars, always present in the lockers of on duty soldiers in the Second World War.

Among the celebrities who adopted the Pin-up style during the 40’s and 50’s are Betty Grable, Bettie Page, Veronica Lake, Anita Ekberg and of course, the beautiful Marilyn Monroe. Symbolizing waiving the post Victorian prejudices, embracing self-esteem and the appreciation of the female body and beauty, the Pin-up style was very popular in the 19th century and continued to inspire women everywhere to see this retro look as a lifestyle.

Celebs we admire today, as Dita von Teese, Eva Green and Masumi Max have found their inspiration for their clothing style in the retro Pin-up style, wearing the clothes, hairstyles and makeup of the 40’s and 50’s, delightfully highlighting the feminine features.

This type of retro makeup symbolizes femininity and sensuality and the attitude can be successfully worn at a themed party and readjusted according to the occasion. Pin-up makeup can be worn during the day, adding or dampening some of the representative elements, like red lipstick, false eyelashes and shaped cheekbones.

The Pin-up look is a superb evening makeup that keeps a part of Hollywood’s classic elegance, but is also implemented in current trends.

Although it seems an elaborate makeup that requires hours in front of the mirror, with a little skill and a little experience in tracing the liquid line, you’ll be able to get a lovely retro makeup.

Here is a step by step guide, with valuable tips and secrets to create a perfect Pin-up makeup.

Retro Pin-up makeup – step by step

To create a Pin-up makeup start by applying foundation and a concealer or eye illuminating product to remove any trace of dark circles. Apply the product near the internal corner of the eye and gently tap the skin using your ring finger – it has the finest touch – to blur out the lines between the illuminator and foundation.

Pin-up makeup is renowned for highlighting all the features of the face, thus shaping your cheekbones, using a creamy contouring product, with a darker shade than your skin.

1. Silky Powder 1070 2. Foundation Primer Oil Free 3. Fan Powder Brush 4. Piccasso Brush 188 Foundation 5. Mineral Illuminating Powder 6. [3CE] Cover Cream Foundation

Then apply a thin layer of powder to set the makeup base.

To highlight the shadow you’ve created, apply an illuminating powder, matte or with shimmering particles, on the highest point of your cheekbones. The bright particles will capture the light and will thin the face.

A Pin-up makeup wouldn’t be complete without a blush in a shade of pink or peach, therefore use a complementary shade on your cheekbones, to the color of your lips and eyelids.

Shape your brows with a blunt brush to achieve the specific, classic 40’s form. To keep the look authentic use a shade of eye shadow that was popular in the 40’s like baby blue, preferred for the black and white photographs and videos of the decade. You can replace it with a hint of pink, lilac or light green for a modern variation.

1. Beautiful Color Eyeshadow 2. Paul Joe Eyebrow Powder 3. Tempting Glimmer Sheer Creme Eyeshadow 4. DiorBlush Vibrant Colour Powder Blush
Enhance the look by applying a beige eye shadow with sparkling particles in the internal corners of the eyes and on the inflection point of the eyebrows.

Choose a liquid eyeliner and a suitable brush to control the direction and shape of the line. Draw a thin line from the internal corner of the eye outwards and complete it with an ascending tail.
Finally apply two coats of mascara on the eyelashes and choose a pair of false eyelashes with a thin, well defined bouquet, to get a better Pin-up look.

1. Star Lash Piccasso Natural Individual Cluster Eyelashes 2. At the Party Vividline Pen Eyeliner 3. Power Volume Mascara 4. Art Class Liquid Eyeliner 5. [THE SAEM] Global Eco Red Lipstick
The lips are the statement element of Pin-up makeup and red lipstick is required if you want to achieve a representative themed makeup.

I hope that now, you better understand how to tackle the delightful Pin-up makeup and you will try it for your next party, themed or not. This retro makeup is easily adapted into daily and evening makeup, given that if you remove or add certain elements you can easily bring it among modern trends.