Every bride envisions embodying the timeless allure of a classic Hollywood star as she walks down the aisle. For those planning a vintage-themed wedding, the key to capturing old-world glamour lies in our comprehensive guide to bridal makeup for vintage-themed weddings. From the 1920s to the 1960s, discover tips, tricks, and product recommendations that will transform your wedding look into an iconic masterpiece.
Key Takeaways
- Vintage bridal makeup trends evolved decade-by-decade, with iconic looks from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.
- Achieving an authentic vintage look requires choosing era-appropriate hairstyles, makeup products, and accessories.
- Following step-by-step tutorials for each decade’s signature makeup look makes recreating vintage glamour easy.
- Stocking your makeup bag with products like red lipstick, liquid liner, false lashes, and bold brow pencils is essential.
- Practicing your vintage makeup look ahead of time ensures you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day.
Getting your bridal makeup perfect for your vintage-inspired wedding takes practice and planning. Be sure to allow enough time to practice essential bridal beauty techniques to feel confident on the big day.
Vintage bridal makeup is the perfect match for intimate vintage-inspired courthouse weddings and elopements. Create a romantic, elegant look from any era that suits your style.
Recreate the Iconic 1920s Flapper Bridal Look
Step into the glamorous era of the Roaring Twenties, where bold makeup and daring style defined the times. Brides who embrace the flapper bridal aesthetic embody the excitement and sophistication of the Jazz Age in their bridal makeup for vintage-themed weddings.
1920s Bridal Beauty Hallmarks
Some signature elements of 1920s bridal beauty include:
- Thin, arched brows: Plucking brows into a thin, sharp arch was all the rage.
- Strong eye makeup: Dark, smoky eyes with black kohl liner and mascara were striking.
- Pale complexion: Heavy powder created a smooth, matte, porcelain finish.
- Dark red lips: A bold lip made a statement and balanced the eyes.
- Finger waves: These deep, sculpted Marcel waves were glamorous.
Pair your vintage 1920s makeup with beachy waves or curls for a flapper-inspired beach wedding look.
How to Get the Look
Follow these steps to easily recreate a 1920s-inspired bridal look:
- Fill in brows with sharp, angled arches.
- Apply black kohl liner along the top lashline and waterline.
- Blend dark brown and black eyeshadows in the crease and outer corners.
- Finish with 2-3 coats of volumizing mascara.
- Set the face with translucent powder for a porcelain look.
- Line lips and fill in with dark red lipstick.
- Style hair in deep finger waves and wear a beaded headpiece.
| Product Recommendations |
|---|
| Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil |
| Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Oil Slick |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara |
| Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder |
| NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysterious Red |
With dark, sultry eyes, flawless skin, and a bold red pout, your 1920s bridal beauty look will be sensual, glamorous, and unforgettable.
Channel Old Hollywood Glamour with 1930s Bridal Beauty
The 1930s were the golden age of Hollywood when screen sirens set beauty trends with their graceful sophistication. For brides seeking vintage elegance, 1930s makeup never goes out of style.
Defining Features of 1930s Makeup
Iconic elements of the 1930s bridal look include:
- Strong, sculpted brows: Full, shaped brows balanced the eyes.
- Thick false lashes: Dramatic lashes were a must for a starlet vibe.
- Smooth matte skin: Flawless complexions were created with powder.
- Red lips: A bold red pout made a glamorous statement.
- Marcel waves: These deep, sculpted finger waves added allure.
For your 1930s Old Hollywood glam wedding, choose an outdoor ceremony location that complements your sophisticated bridal style.
Achieving the 1930s Bridal Look
Follow these simple steps to recreate 1930s Hollywood beauty:
- Shape and fill in brows for balance and symmetry.
- Curl lashes and apply false strip lashes to the top lash line.
- Create a smooth, shine-free complexion with pressed powder.
- Line lips and fill in with a matte true red lipstick.
- Set Marcel waves or soft curls in hair.
- Finish with pearl earrings and a floral silk headscarf.
| Recommended Products |
|---|
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade |
| Ardell Faux Mink 811 Lashes |
| Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder |
| MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo |
Channel your inner silver screen legend with this romantic and refined 1930s bridal look.
1940s War Time Glamour for Vintage Wartime Brides
With limited resources during WWII, 1940s brides still managed to create beautiful vintage bridal looks. Fusing creativity with practicality resulted in an enduring elegance.
1940s Bridal Beauty Signature Style
Key elements of 1940s wedding makeup include:
- Strong brows: Full, natural brows framed the face.
- Subtle eye makeup: Soft browns and grays gave a neutral eye.
- Winged liner: A flick of black liner elongated the eyes.
- Red lips: Red lipstick livened up wartime austerity.
- Victory rolls: These front-swept curls were patriotic.
Achieving a 1940s Look
Follow these tips for perfect 1940s makeup:
- Brush brows up and out into a rounded shape.
- Apply brown and gray shadows in the crease.
- Flick the black liquid liner out and up from the upper lash line.
- Finish with two coats of black mascara.
- Pat on red lipstick for a pop of color.
- Set hair in victory rolls and accessorize with flowers.
| Recommended Products |
|---|
| Anastasia Clear Brow Gel |
| L’Oreal Paris Neutral Eyeshadow Palette |
| Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner |
| Maybelline Great Lash Mascara |
| Besame Red Lipstick |
Feel glamorous and patriotic in your bridal beauty look with a touch of 1940s flair.
Channel Retro 1950s Charm with Vintage Bridal Beauty
The 1950s were a glamorous and romantic era, with makeup looks that were ultra-feminine and softly alluring. For brides seeking vintage charm, 1950s beauty is timeless.
Signature Style of 1950s Bridal Makeup
Defining aspects of 1950s wedding makeup include:
- Arched brows: Brows were shaped and defined.
- Cat eyes: A flick of black liner created a subtle cat eye.
- Peach blush: The soft color on the cheeks added a fresh glow.
- Red lips: Retro red lips were a staple.
- Soft curls: Romantic loose curls complemented the look.
How to Get the 1950s Look
Follow these tips for perfect 1950s bridal makeup:
- Shape and fill in brows with an angled arch.
- Line the upper lashline with black liquid liner in a cat eye flick.
- Apply 2-3 coats of black mascara.
- Sweep soft peach blush onto the apples of cheeks.
- Line and fill lips with a true matte red lipstick.
- Set big, bouncy curls or soft waves in hair.
| Recommended Products |
|---|
| Anastasia Brow Wiz |
| Maybelline Eye Studio Liquid Eyeliner |
| Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara |
| Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso |
| NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella |
Channel retro 1950s glamour with soft, romantic vintage bridal beauty.
The soft curls and cat eyes of 1950s bridal makeup work beautifully for mature brides seeking a timelessly elegant look.
Mod 1960s Beauty for a Retro Bridal Look
Embracing the spirit of the 1960s, bridal beauty took on a fresh, modern appeal, highlighting natural glamour. For brides enamored with retro styles, the makeup of the 1960s exudes an air of effortless sophistication, making it an ideal choice for bridal makeup for vintage-themed weddings.
Signature 1960s Bridal Makeup Style
Key aspects of 1960s wedding beauty include:
- Groomed brows: Brows were full but not overpowering.
- Lined eyes: A touch of kohl liner defined the eyes.
- False lashes: Subtle false lashes added depth.
- Nude lips: Pale pinks and peaches kept lips soft.
- Loose waves: Unfussy, romantic waves were perfect.
Achieving a 1960s Bridal Look
Follow these simple steps for 1960s makeup magic:
- Brush brows up and out into a natural shape.
- Apply black kohl liner along the upper lash line.
- Attach natural-looking false lashes.
- Sweep on 2-3 coats of black mascara.
- Dab on muted pink or peach lipstick.
- Set loose, romantic waves in hair.
| Recommended Products |
|---|
| Anastasia Clear Brow Gel |
| Maybelline Eye Studio Kohl Liner |
| Ardell Natural Demi Wispies |
| L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara |
| Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey |
Channel chic, understated beauty with 1960s-inspired bridal makeup.
Tips for Perfecting Your Vintage Bridal Beauty Look
Having drawn inspiration from glamorous vintage bridal makeup across the decades, here are some ultimate tips for seamlessly bringing together your retro wedding day look with bridal makeup for vintage-themed weddings.
Choose Complementary Hairstyling
Select an era-appropriate hairstyle to enhance your vintage makeup:
- 1920s – Deep finger waves
- 1930s – Sculpted Marcel waves
- 1940s – Victory rolls or pin curls
- 1950s – Soft romantic curls
- 1960s – Loose waves with a center part
Incorporate Vintage Accessories
Accessories like these add the perfect finishing touch:
- Feather and beaded headpieces
- Pearl earrings and necklaces
- Satin gloves
- Birdcage or pillbox veils
- Vintage bridal jewelry
Choose an Era-Appropriate Bridal Gown
Consider these flattering and romantic vintage bridal gown silhouettes:
- Trumpet or A-line
- Mermaid
- Sheath
- Tea length
- Lace or embroidery accents
- Off-the-shoulder or long-sleeves
By selecting all elements of your look with the era in mind, you’ll create a beautifully cohesive vintage bridal style that makes you feel like a glamorous retro star.
Practice the Look in Advance
Be sure to practice your vintage makeup look before the big day so you feel confident and photo-ready. For a flawless finish, book a makeup artist to help you recreate the era’s iconic beauty.
Conclusion
Timeless, elegant, and undeniably romantic, vintage bridal beauty transcends the ages. Whether captivated by the daring Jazz Age glamour of the 1920s, the refined Hollywood allure of the 1930s, the soft charm of the 1950s, or the fresh sophistication of the 1960s, infusing your wedding day look with bridal makeup for vintage-themed weddings is a perfect ode to your inner retro bride.
Vintage bridal makeup can be gorgeous year-round, from winter wonderland weddings to summer garden parties. Choose products that last all day.
By following the step-by-step makeup tutorials for each era, stocking up on classic products like red lipstick and liquid liner, and selecting complementary hairstyles, accessories, and bridal gown silhouettes, you can easily achieve a show-stopping vintage makeup look. Most importantly, take time to practice and perfect your style so you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to glow on your big day.
Vintage beauty is ultimately about expressing your unique bridal style. Whether you go for a bold red lip or a subtle cat-eye, focus on enhancing your natural beauty rather than strictly adhering to decade-specific trends. When your makeup looks and feels like the most glamorous version of yourself, that authentic retro charm will shine through for a timeless, elegant bridal look that will never go out of style.
References:
14 Vintage Wedding Makeup Looks – Brides
15 Vintage Wedding Ideas for Modern-Day Couples
