Vintage makeup lessons give insights into the history of makeup; some things to remember, and some things to definitely forget…

Um… Wow.




That’s all I could say when I first discovered this video. In fact that’s all I can say right now. I’m not even sure what this tool is that I’m looking at in this video. And the application techniques… well…hmmm…makeup brushes? No? Did anyone see much of a difference between the so called “good makeup application” and the bad one? LOL! 😀

That video was my introduction into the wonderful world of the Vintage Makeup Lessons. Old film reels that people have researched and found and made available on YouTube (and likely other video hubs as well). Not only might you find a total gem like that bizarre face measuring reel, but many of these old reels actually offer really good information for doing makeup research. Quite frankly, a lot of the period makeup tutorials available on the various interwebz outlets (Youtube, Tumblr, Instagram, etc.) are incorrect. It is MUCH better to see an actual demonstration of – say – 60s makeup that was filmed IN the 60s rather than someone’s modern day “interpretation” of a 60s look. When you see and learn the real thing, you are then free to do your own interpretation.

Note: All of the old PATHE reels I’ve seen are great, although only a couple I’ve found pertain to makeup. Check the “Eyebrow Tutorial”…



That one kind of lost the plot a little bit there, didn’t it? That said, it is also remarkable how much the basics of eyebrow technique – where to start, where to place the arch, where to end, etc. – have not changed one bit. I wonder what they’d think about Instagram brows…

The YouTube channel GlamourDaze is entirely devoted to reels of vintage makeup, fashion, etc., and they also have vintage makeup guides available on their website. One of my favorites is the 1960’s video because it is much less “theatrical” than what most people do for 60’s makeup, and much more about what real young women of that era were actually wearing.


The problem with most 1960’s tutorials is that they go straight for the full Twiggy look which is only a part of what was happening in that time period. As you can see this look has the same bones as the Twiggy look, but it’s much less exaggerated and much more real life. This is important to know for a few reasons. If you want to do a 60s inspired makeup for yourself (or if you are an artist working on a private client), I think we can all agree that this is much more wearable. This look will look better on more people, ages, face types, etc. than the Full Twiggy. But ALSO for working artists; if you are working on – say – a film set in the 60’s, rather than a 60s inspired fashion shoot, you have to remember the goals of your makeup will be different. People forget: Twiggy was a fashion model. She wasn’t trying to represent the everyday woman, she represented a fashion ideal. In fashion you’d probably want that more heightened expression of the period. IF, however, you are creating a character makeup for an everyday young woman set in a 1960’s setting, you’d probably be looking at something more like what’s in this video. Fascinating, yeah? I love learning about makeup!

If you are a makeup fan – pro or non pro – definitely check out the vintage makeup lessons reel scene (and all the other cool vintage reels). I warn you, however, there is a lot of good stuff out there and once you start down the rabbit hole it is hard to stop!

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