How to: 1920s Style Makeup

Move over Mad Men – with the 1920s on our cultural radar, the next big thing in retro-inspired style is all about flappers, molls, and the stars of the silent screen. Read on to find out how to get ahead of the 1920s makeup trend.

With the new HBO drama Boardwalk Empire on everyone’s minds, it’s no surprise that 1920′s inspired details are suddenly showing up en masse on fashion runways and in this month’s magazines. The trend-setting September issue of US Vogue was heavy with looks that recall not only the series’ Atlantic City flappers, but other icons of the era, including Clara Bow, Zelda Fitzgerald, and Louise Brooks.

Halle Berry’s Louise Brooks bob for US Vogue, September 2010

A 1920s-inspired editorial for US Vogue, September 2010

We’re calling it now – 1920s style is about to go huge. While the fashion can be difficult to pull off – ah, the perils of the dropped waist, mid-calf dress – the hair and makeup is primed for a major comeback. Try a 1920′s inspired dark lip, like on Christina Ricci, above, in tandem with an of-the-moment cocktail dress or polished separates to stand out in style.

1920s makeup tutorial, courtesy of YouTube’s BBC-radio-voiced pixiwoo:

What’s your favourite era in fashion? Let us know and we’ll try to find stuff to help you explore it.