Everything in style, makeup, and hair, is cyclical. It ALL comes back around at some point in time, but maybe with a small tweak here or there. For example, the super skinny eyebrows of the 20’s + 90’s WILL come back into vogue, mark my words. But until then, I will continue to enjoy the satisfaction I get from drawing mine back into their ideal fullness…
Some of the best inspiration for your makeup is to pull from decades past though. These throwback styles, once flaunted by celebrities, singers, and socialites, are back in the spotlight—and they’re easier to pull off than you think!
I’ve always said that if you want to make a dramatic change in your look, but with little to no skill or investment in products needed, switching up your LIP LOOK is THE easiest way to do that! No permanent removal of brow hairs necessary either…Two lip trends that are resurfacing lately are the 1920’s dark lips and 1960’s nude lips.
Let’s dive into these two tried and true trends, both very different looks, and how you can sport them this winter. See which ones best suits you for now!
*Before we get started though, don’t skip the LIP PREP!* I highly recommend you implement a lip mask every night if you’re not already. Why would you only mask the face, when the lips have less oil glands and need all the help they can get with hydration?! And lip products always look better applied to a juicy plump lip surface!I am using the Tatcha Kissu Japanese lip jelly mask, $29, (it’s exquisite and so addicting!) and I rub it into my lips with my silicone lip scrubber, $6, from Amazon. Your lips will immediately feel and look better – I promise.
If you missed last week’s post on the Benefits of Highlight + Contour on an Aging Face, be sure to check out my tips and products that would go beautifully with any of the lip trends shown below!
1st Trend: Razzle Dazzle 1920’s Dark Lips
Our inspirations: Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, + Josephine Baker.
The first one, we are going to borrow from the magical 1920’s – think flappers and Great Gatsby-esque. The 20’s makeup vibe was all about exaggerated thin brows and heavy smokey eyes paired with a DARK VAMPY LIPSTICK. And you have many shade options: between the classical dark burgundies, deep browns, chestnut, and shades of mauve or reds. I won’t go so far as to do the short chic bob haircut, but I will rock the layered jewelry and bangs along with my defined dark lip look!
Two ways to do the vampy lip look. First, the easiest and least dramatic way is simply with a wine-colored gloss. I used the Buxom Plump Shot Serum gloss in shade “Wine Obsession,” $29. I love the feel of these soothing lip serums that aren’t too glossy and have zero stickiness. Very sophisticated but simplistic look.
Next, is for the more bold gals that truly want that 20’s film star look! Now the 20’s accentuated the cupids bow heavily. I don’t really want to shorten my lips, so I’m going to add my spin on this look by keeping with the fuller lip illusion!
I combined the mega affordable, (as in $2 each), e.l.f. Cream glide lip liner in “Plum + Get It” along with the longwear L’Oreal Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick, in “Wine Not,”$11. To make sure a lip this dark stays put, I did tap in a touch of loose translucent powder around my lip liner before adding two sheer layers of the L’Oreal liquid lipstick.
If you struggle with removing darker lipstick like this, I recommend using hydrating micellar water like this Garnier one, $9, with a cotton round. Works like magic – also is a quick way to remove all face makeup as well if you don’t have time to use face soap and water.
2nd Trend: Super Nude 1960’s Lips
Our inspirations: Bridgette Bardot, Raquel Welch, + Sharon Tate
The second one, the SUPER NUDE LIP, we will borrow from the 1960s, that was a piece of the mod makeup look! It was usually paired with doll eyes, tons of mascara, and either bouffant hairstyles or stick-straight hippie hair. This shade was very natural and typically had a base of powdery or pastel pink tone that let the eyes take center stage. It was a very sexy pouty look for sure.
There are two ways to do this as well. First, is the easy way, and that’s to just apply a creamy nude lipstick and go (not too glossy and not too matte).
I will be using the shade, #171 Nu Confident, from the beautiful collection of just nude lip colors by L’Oreal, the Colour Riche Les Nus Intense lipsticks, $11. They have a creamy satin finish that is perfect for this look, as well as aging lips that can benefit from a touch of shine and hydration bc of their vitamin E and argan oil ingredients included. There’s a nude for everyone!
Then the second way to do this nude look, is to add in a darker nude lip liner to give more definition and a gradient effect. I chose another of the elf $2 liners, in shade “mauve aside.” I added it after the fact of applying lipstick, and this allowed for a lighter gradient effect where I applied it heavily along the perimeter, then blurred/colored it in slightly towards the center of top and bottom lip. Which nude lip do you prefer – With or without liner added?
The Rest of My Look Details
It has turned back super cold here in Georgia, so I wear cute beanies whenever I can to keep my head warm (and I don’t have to fix my bangs!). This pearl studded beanie from Dillards is on sale, $19. // My contrast stitching Amazon sweater is SO soft and cozy, looks expensive, but it’s only $39. It’s oversized already so keep that in mind when ordering. I’m wearing a medium and you can see it in action on my LTK post here. // I wore this sweater with my go-to Spanx faux leather leggings, $98 – nothing compares to this brand and how they tighten up your entire rear end! And they last forever, I’ve owned mine for yearssss.
Large Clara pearl choker, $138, from Sequin Jewelry // My double Kendra Scott knuckle ring is quite the statement piece, $120. // My shadow look was created with the Stone Cold Fox palette, $35, I use all the time, and it’s back in stock + my skin finish is thanks to my magical Hourglass Ambient Light palette, volume 1, $74.
As always, I hope you enjoyed this post and got a bit of inspiration from it! I don’t want to read a blog post about beauty, and not see what the products look like used on an actual face. Just links or product pictures only, never do justice to teaching. ANYONE can suggest you use a new product on the scene, but until you see the makeup ON an actual person, it doesn’t hold much value for why you should purchase something or add it to your collection.
This is why you will only read blog posts from me, that include products I own and use – not just hearsay products. I hope this transparency keeps you coming back for more! Let me know if you’ll be trying one or both of these lip trends soon!
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