Poodle skirts and ponytails
As the men came back from the war, home-life became an important part in people's lives. Especially for women, who went back to the domestic matters and became the domestic goddess. Not only accomplishing all the chores, but looking glamorous while doing it. It was the era when women strutted around in high heels, dresses and perfectly done-up hair, while doing the dishes.
50s Hairstyles
Throughout the decade there was a transformation from the simple ponytail to the beehive. The permanent wave, a la Elizabeth Taylor was in vogue at the height of the decade. Hairdressing became a big business as hair lacquer sprays and plastic rollers enabled women to grow their ponytails into taller and more complex hairstyles.
50s Make up
To go with that cute poodle skirt, the face projected a warm, peachy complexion. Eyebrows were grown out, thick and dark. The eyeshadow was worn past the eyelid in shades of green and blue. Mascara went on thick as did eyeliner in black or dark browns. Cheeks were soft and rosy, with blush blended towards the temples. Rosy red or pink lipstick finished the look.
How to apply 50s makeup
To get that warm 50s makeup look, start by applying a soft pinkish-brown powder blush to your cheeks and blend up to your temples. Starting at the lashline, blend a light brown shadow all the way to the crease. Use a highlighter on your browbone. Using a black liner, draw a thick line from the inner corners to a little past the outer corner. Put dark brown powder eyeshadow over the eyeliner to soften the effect. Then use a white or skin-toned pencil to pine the inside of your eyes. Apply a neutral color lipliner and a neutral color creamy lipstick.
How to style hair for the 1950s
Transform your ponytail into the beehive look. Start by applying setting lotion to damp hair. Then roll hair into large curlers. Once the hair is dry and set, begin teasing hair using the "backcomb" method. Lifting sections near the crown, brush them smooth, then brush back down towards the hair shafts. Spray with some hairspray and move on to the next section. Continue until the top of your head is covered with backcombed tufts standing on end. Using a brush, smooth the top hair back over the backcombing. Get the loose hairs on the sides with hairpins or a ribbon. Complete with generous helping of hairspray.
1950s Style Icons
Many trendsetters came from the movies and popular music
- Marilyn Monroe - men wanted to date her, women wanted to look like her
- Elizabeth Taylor - everyone wanted those dark eyebrows and dramatic eyes
- Dusty Springfield - her bouffant and heavy eye makeup lead the way