1950s Hair and Makeup

All around the world men were returning from war and once again this significant event translated into the role of woman changing. While the men were away we found ourselves out in the work world holding down the fort so to speak. Simplicity and functionality were an essential part of our beauty regimen. In the 50s beauty and fashion took center stage and we could spend more time in this venture. Femininity and attracting a man become the focus. For woman who already had a man, emulating the quintessential glamour wives such as Lucille Ball became fashionable. And for those of us who needed help Anne Fogarty wrote the book Wife Dressing.

The look of the forties was a slim figure with padded shoulders to give the appearance of strength and competence. The fifties look was feminine accentuating (even exaggerating) a woman's curves. Fifties hair was soft and curly and shorter than the forties. The look was achieved with pin curls, rollers and hair spray. Straight and long were out, ponytails were in. Makeup consisted of a peaches and cream canvas, lips were pink or red, eyeliner was worn at night and mascara continues to be popular. Eyelids were plucked thin and high as if to give an exaggerated look of innocence and naivete, Shades of eye shadow in blues and greens made an appearance, at night reaching beyond the lid.

As always or favorite escape (the silver screen) helped to define what would be popular through its sirens of the day such as Marilyn Monroe, LIz Taylor and Sandra Dee.