PEEK: Forties make-up, updated technique

I've done a tutorial on this before, so this is just a brief technique update. It's such a simple, timeless look but - for the first time in forever - I got it almost perfect yesterday so thought I’d share.



BASE: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer around eyes, followed by a 5-pence sized application of Make Up Forever HD foundation. My way of updating this vintage look is to keep skin glowy and translucent. Add Illamasqua Gleam Cream (benefit high/low beam or Givenchy Mister Bright will do good job) to cheek bones and arch of brows to add sheen and catch the light.

CHEEKS: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush on apples of cheeks only and slight contouring of cheeks using either a bronzer or an appropriate powder. I use MAC’s Contouring Powder, but think it could be a pro product (in which case buy from Carnaby Street store or Sleek do a similar product.) Keep the cheeks really simple to avoid looking like a Victorian doll.

EYES: MAC Paint is my favourite base for eyes; choose a neutral colour slightly lighter than your skin tone to catch the light and widen eyes. Leave the eye shadow, but do add a little contouring in the sockets with the contour powder. (Tip: if you can’t find your sockets, just lift the arch of your brow upwards and it should magically appear!) Curl lashes and apply Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner to the lash line with small brush. My eyes are almond shaped, so drop slightly towards the ends, so to counteract this thicken the line towards the outer half of the eye. When you’re extending the flick make sure you pull the line straight across and not downwards with creates too much of a ‘dip.’ Finish with two coats of Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells mascara, top and bottom.

BROWS: Use a small angled brush with appropriate eye shadow colour to fill and define brows, keeping them thick.

LIPS: Use a dark red lip liner to make the cupids bow really rounded. I over-lined my lips here to make them fuller and also coloured in my lips to even out the tone. Apply MAC Ruby Woo lipstick straight from the tube. Et Voila!