We’re loving 50’s style at the moment. With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee coming up we’re taking some inspiration from the era when she first became Queen and embracing the ladylike shapes and good-enough-to-eat shades. And it’s not just the clothes we’re loving, it’s the make-up too. Find out everything you need to know from M.A.C Senior Artist Debbie Finnegan…
Over the last few years there has been a gradual resurgence for all things 50’s inspired. From homewear and crafts, TV and film to fashion and beauty. Think Marilyn Monroe or Ava Gardner meets modern day ….simple, chic and full of sexy attitude. This look has been taken on by everyone from Dita Von Teese to Gwen Stefani to Scarlet Johansson in their own particular way.
How do you capture an essence of this style… I hear you ask….and still make it your own?
There are a few very classic elements to this type of look and the key is to give it your own twist.
Classic element 1
Creamy skin: Update this element by using new, smarter foundation formulas. Gone are the days of ‘heavy’ foundation, think lightweight, fresh and real when making your choices. I love M.A.C Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation for a dewy effect and great on drier skins. Or if you battle with controlling oil, M.A.C Pro Longwear Foundation is an incredible lightweight formula that last for up to 8hours on the skin. Genius.
Classic Element 2
The eye. So we’re all familiar with the ‘Marilyn’ style eye, soft neutral blended socket line and a subtle black flicked eye liner. The traditional way to create this is using matte eye shadows such as M.A.C Eyeshadow in Blanc Type and Copperplate, a cool beige and an earthy grey. Liner can be added in a flicked way using super easy product like M.A.C Penultimate Eye Liner, a felt tip style black pen. It’s classic and beautiful but it’s time to give it a 2012 revamp.
I’d suggest adding a modern hint of texture to the eye in the form of a multi-use product such as M.A.C Cream Colour Base in Pearl. It’s light and easily applied with a clean fingertip, the creamy champagne shade is great for light to medium skin tones, for deeper skin try a richer golden shade M.A.C Cream Colour Base in Improper Copper. This can replace the matte style shadows and will look great with your flicked liner.
Changing your black liquid liner for a different type and shade can also be an interesting change. I love M.A.C Kohl Pencils in Blooz, a midnight navy blue, or M.A.C Kohl Pencil in Prunella, a rich blackened plum shade. These can be applied in a flicked manner to capture the essence of the ‘Marilyn’ liner, and then smudged to give a more worn in rock n roll feel.
Classic Element 3
The Lip. Wearing a statement red lip is like putting on a pair of killer red stiletto shoes. You instantly feel confident and like a force to be reckoned with.
The traditional strong lip would be created using products such as M.A.C Lipsticks in Lady Danger, an orange red, or M.A.C Ruby Woo, a cool red.
Give this dynamic feature a new twist by making it more relaxed. Apply a shade such as M.A.C Lipstick in Ramblas Red, a luscious brick red, using your finger tips and gently pressing it into the lip and the result will be a fabulous fresh stain.
So now we know all the elements, the traditional and newer revamped suggestions for wearing them. Choose which are your favourites to wear; it may be a stained lip and a slightly glossy eye for one person. For the next it may be a navy blue smudged liner and strong cold red lip. The choice is yours… Don’t be afraid to mix it up…. and remember sometimes less is more. Pick your elements to suit your mood.
Do you love the 50’s look too? Tell us by commenting below and be sure to let us know should you have any questions for the M.A.C team.