A Perfect Vintage Face
I am constantly asked how I achieve the perfect 'vintage look', Obviously, in my case its a
matter of excellent genes and the ability to wield a perfect eyeliner flick. But for the rest of you mere mortals I have compiled a list of 'Rita Approved' tricks and products for you to attempt your own vintage-esque looks with.
The Base
Your vintage look starts with the base, I like to use a silicon primer to ensure that products placed on top glide on to a smooth base. I will often add a pore minimiser to areas such as the forehead and nose before applying the foundation. Foundation will be entirely based on your skin type, but generally with vintage looks you'll want to stick with a matte finish. With my skin type I often mix foundations to get my preferred look and feel. A TINY bit of concealer for those dark circles and unsightly spots, too much will look cakey, NOT ideal. A translucent powder will set your foundation and finally I' dust with a light reflecting powder for added radiance!
Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and Benefit POREfessional
Foundation: Makeup Forever Ultra HD - Y255 and Estee Lauder Double Wear Light - 1.0
Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent powder
Light Reflecting Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Diffused Light
*Rita's Tip: Apply all but the light reflecting powder with a damp Beauty Blender to ensure a natural finish.
Cheeks
Now traditional vintage makeup doesn't tend to advist contouring, HOWEVER, I'm a big believer in.. enhancement. For contour its usually best to pick a cool toned brown however, again, work with your own colouring. For blush let the apples of your cheeks be where you place it for a more youthful glow. Speaking of glow, again, highlighter is an added extra and I do love some sparkle..
Contour: Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder - Medium
Blush: Mac Mineralize Blush - Dainty
Highlighter: Mary-Lou Manizer
*Rita's Tip: Use the right brushes! Your face is a canvas and the right tools paint the right picture!
The Eyes and Brows
A neat brow with a shape to suit your face is what I advise. Though for true vintage style you can research the brow shape from your favourite vintage era and use a pencil to help form the desired shape. Brush through with a brow gel to make the brow hairs look fuller. A well shaped brow frames the face and ensures those coquettish eyebrow raises to prospective millionaires don't go unnoticed.
Now the eyes, again base is important to ensure your perfect makeup application isn't for naught a few hours after application. Powder (whichever you used for your face initially is fine) over the primer will make the eyeshadows blend better on top. General rule, darker shade on the outer eyelid and lighter colour on the inside. The eyeliner is what makes a makeup look appear vintage, whichever era you choose will dictate what type of line you use however, I use a 1940's shaped line with a 1950's flick! Nobody is stopping you from finding something that suits your personal eye shape! Don't worry, I'll be sure to tell you if its not the one for you! Coat your lashes with your mascara of choice, curl and finally, top of your eye look with fake eyelashes! I change up my preferred ones constantly, from full lashes to 3/4.. it entirely depends on my mood!
Eyebrow Pencil: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Taupe
Eyebrow Gel: Benefit - gimmeBROW - Light Medium
Primer: Mac Paint Pot - Painterly
Shadows: Mac - Vanilla, Cork, Expresso and Nylon.
Eye Liner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - Mad Max Brown
Mascara: Estee Lauder Double Wear
Lash Glue: Eyelure
Lashes: Eyelure, House of Lashes, Mac
The Lips
A red lip is quintessentially vintage! For longevity use a pencil to outline and then fill in the lip then top with your favourite red; I personally prefer a blue toned red to ensure my white teeth look extra dazzling.
Lip Liner: I have been partial to an old Maybeline red liner - just find one that glides without dragging but isn't too creamy so it rubs off!
Lipstick: Mac - Russian Red (my signature shade) OR a recent discovery for added longevity; Beauty Bakerie Lip Whip - Mon Cherie.
Ritas Tip: Fix up any unsightly smudges with concealer!
Finally spritz with your preferred setting spray and you are ready to dazzle the general public with your presence! Or at least, I am. I would love to see the vintage makeup looks you come up with.. tag @vintage.vendetta on Instagram with your completed faces!
Much Love!
Rita
XX
