Make-Up Bliss. . .

Cosmetics in the 1920s were characterised by their use to create a specific look: lips painted in the shape of 'Cupids Bow', kohl-rimmed eyes and bright cheeks brushes with bright red blush. I personally think the signature look of the 1920s regards to makeup is the dark eyes, where I feel the 'smokey eye' look originated from. I think the overall is quite cold, yet sultry at the same time, bringing attention and focusing on the eyes and lips where this is normally a woman best features, and what men are most attracted too.

The heavily made-up look was a reaction to the demure, feminine Gibson girl of the pre-war period. In the 1920s, an international beauty culture was forged and society increasingly focused on novelty and change. Fashion trends influenced theater, films, literature and art, which were all incredibly popular in high society Long Island in the 20s where the character Daisy was based from. Woman also found a new need to wear more make-up. A changed postwar sex ratio created a new emphasis on sexual beauty. Additionally, as women begun to enter the professional world, publications such as the French Beauty Industry encouraged woman to wear more makeup so to look their possible best when competing with men for employment. 

Blush - 

During the 1920s, the messy elixir blushes of past years were replaced by powders, creams, liquids and rogue papers. Powder blushes were extremely popular after the invention of spill-proof containers and the compact. It's amazing to think something which is yet popular nowadays was invented so long ago now. The progression of make-up and development over the years is unbelievable. 

Lips - 

Became popular after Maurice Levy's 1915 invention of the metal lipstick container, whereas before it was normally kept in a pot, similar to shoe polish. It was available in salve, liquid and stick forms and was also long-lasting, indelible stains were the most popular. As the product worked as in staining the lips, it never smudged and hardly wore off which was one of the factors that made it so popular especially during the flapper parties, no-one likes to having to constantly reapply makeup when all you want to do is party!! 'Natural' lipgloss was also invented, which used bromo acid to create a red effect as it reacted with the wearer's skin. 

Mascara - 

In the early 1920 many women fulfilled their desire for darker, fuller lashes by resorting to the use of common household products to achieve this. Petroleum jelly, or as we know it Vaseline, was mixed with soot or coal. Then this was applied to the lashes using a fine brush. During the middle of the decade, mascara was available in cake, tube, wax and liquid form and applied with a brush. Surprisingly enough, there were even waterproof formulations available back then also.