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Not your Grandmother's beauty tips ... well maybe.

Contributed by: Katelyn Simkins on 4/7/2007

My grandmother, Barbara Huttner, doesn't have the typical "when I was young" stories that most grandchildren would easily sleep through. No, she was a glamorous fashion model in the 1950's, and is still one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen up close. When I first became interested in makeup (at the ripe old age of 13) she passed down some of her old beauty books. I would spend hours flipping through the "FORD model's book of beauty" while practicing the steady hand needed for smooth liquid eyeliner application. I have been in love with everything vintage ever since.

Most women now a days would think that this "retro" look only works on the beautiful "hipsters" that frequent all of the trendy nightclubs that light up the streets of Denver each night. I beg to differ.

This is a look that flatters nearly every face. It can be subtle or severe, and can be transformed from day to night with ease. And you don't have to go all the way back to the malt shop to get it ... unless you want to.

-First, foundation is key. Unlike the look we talked about last time, the 1950's opted for a "full coverage" foundation. Now ladies, I am not (I repeat NOT) telling you to pile on your foundation like it was a minty face mask. I am merely suggesting that you pick a foundation that gives a nice even color and texture to your skin. Finish with powder. I know that many of you ladies out there put your powder on last ... Here's a tip: after foundation, powder everywhere (eyelids, around the lips, t-zone etc.) it helps everything go on more evenly and stay there all day/night.

-Next, to the brows. Well defined, with a high arch. You can use either a brow pencil or powder (I prefer powder, it's easier to control the intensity of color). This is where the old rule of thumb (which I learned from my "Grammy's" books) comes into play: Hold your brush (or pencil) vertically from the outer edge of your nostril to the inner corner of your eye. This is where your brows should start. Then, (with the brush still at your nostril) move the end to the outer corner of your eye. This is where your brow should end. Finally, move it to match up with the middle of your pupil as you are looking straight in the mirror. This is where the arch should reach it's highest point. Fill in to the degree of darkness and thickness you prefer. And voilà, perfect brows!

-Now, on to the eyes. You have two choices of method and materials here too. Either black powder (for a daytime look or for someone who wants only 50% of that vintage look) or liquid eyeliner. If you choose the black powder, take out your trusty angled brush (maybe the same one you used for your brows?) and really get it loaded with color. Tap it on the side of your hand to knock off the excess powder, and then run it along your upper lash line in short strokes. Try to get it as close to the lash line as possible, then if needed repeat it again a little higher to define the line. If you choose the liquid liner, know this, practice makes perfect. The keys are 1. close one eye and pull the skin up and out. 2. then with a steady hand draw a line in one fluid motion along the lash line. (don't worry if it's not completely straight you can re-dip and re-trace the line again after). Apply coat number one of mascare (go light on the bottom lashes).

-A strip of false eyelashes really give the look an extra dose of va-va-voom. I love to use the thick, black "Bambi" lashes that really dish out the "doe eyed" glamor. It helps to put them on after the eyeliner so that there is no "gap" of skin showing if you happen to place the lashes slightly above the lash line. You can touch up the liner again once the glue has dried. Then follow with a second coat of mascara.

-Next sweep on your blush starting on the apple of your cheek and blending out toward your cheek bone. Simple.

-Finish this look up with a nice red lip color. The reds that are more on the blue side of the spectrum (while still remaining a true red) work best on every skin tone. Orange hued reds are a little trickier. Here you can opt for either a smudge of color followed by gloss (once again for more of a day look). Or you can go all out with precisely lined lips followed by a coat or two (or three) of a matte lipstick. Totally up to you.

Now, wasn't that easy? Don't you feel sassy?? My grandmother would be proud. Next time we'll dig into a special look for your "special day".


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Showing 1 of 1 comments
Submitted By: Allyson Reedy
posted on 4/12/2007 @ 11:30:09 PM
Rated Story
I need you to do my wedding makeup!
[Report as objectionable]
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Katelyn Simkins

Denver , CO

Katelyn Simkins has posted 4 stories and 0 comments since joining on 3/30/2007. Katelyn Simkins 's average story rating is 5.
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