If you’ve ever been captivated by the timeless allure of classic pin-up girls or the glamorous beauty of retro fashion icons, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered how to recreate their signature makeup look. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a stunning retro and pin-up-inspired makeup look that will transport you back to the golden age of beauty. From perfectly winged eyeliner to bold red lips, get ready to embrace your inner pin-up goddess and channel the allure of yesteryear. It’s time to bring back the vintage charm and turn heads wherever you go!
Choosing the Right Foundation
When it comes to creating a retro and pin-up-inspired makeup look, choosing the right foundation is crucial. The foundation not only provides a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup, but it also helps to even out your skin tone and create that flawless complexion often associated with pin-up style.
Determining your Skin Undertone
Before selecting a foundation, it’s important to determine your skin undertone. This will help you choose a shade that complements your natural complexion and gives you that classic pin-up look. There are three main undertones: warm, cool, and neutral.
To determine your undertone, take a close look at the veins on your wrist. If your veins appear more green, you likely have warm undertones. If they appear more blue or purple, you have cool undertones. If your veins have a mix of both, you may have neutral undertones.
Selecting the Right Shade and Formula
Once you’ve determined your undertone, it’s time to select the right shade and formula of foundation. Opt for a shade that closely matches your natural skin tone to create a seamless look. If you have warm undertones, choose foundations with yellow or golden undertones. For cool undertones, go for foundations with pink or rosy undertones. If you have neutral undertones, you can choose a foundation with either warm or cool undertones.
In terms of formula, consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a matte or oil-free foundation to control shine. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating or dewy foundation to add some moisture. Those with combination skin can go for a foundation that offers a balanced finish.
Creating a Flawless Complexion
To achieve that flawless pin-up complexion, there are a few steps you can follow.
Applying Primer
Before applying your foundation, start by prepping your skin with a primer. A primer helps to create a smooth base for your foundation and ensures that it stays in place throughout the day. Choose a primer that suits your skin type, such as a mattifying primer for oily skin or a hydrating primer for dry skin. Apply a small amount of primer all over your face, focusing on areas where you have larger pores or texture.
Concealing Imperfections
After applying primer, it’s time to conceal any imperfections. Use a concealer that matches your skin tone to cover up any blemishes, dark circles, or redness. Dab a small amount of concealer onto the affected areas and gently blend it in with a brush or your fingertips. Patting the concealer in rather than rubbing will give you a more natural-looking finish.
Setting with Powder
To ensure your foundation and concealer stays in place, set it with a powder. Choose a translucent or colorless powder that matches your skin tone. Use a large fluffy brush to lightly dust the powder all over your face, focusing on the T-zone and any areas prone to oiliness. This will help control shine and give your skin a velvety finish.
Perfecting the Retro Eyebrows
In retro and pin-up makeup looks, eyebrows play a vital role in framing the face and creating that vintage vibe. Here’s how you can perfect your eyebrows for a pin-up-inspired look.
Shaping and Filling in
Start by shaping your eyebrows to achieve that classic arch. You can use tweezers to pluck any stray hairs and create a clean shape. If you have sparse eyebrows, you may want to fill them in using an eyebrow pencil or powder. Choose a shade that matches your natural brow color and fill in any gaps with light, feathery strokes. Remember to follow the natural shape of your eyebrows to maintain a natural yet defined look.
Using Brow Products
To further enhance your eyebrows, you can use brow products such as gels or pomades. These products help to keep your brows in place and add extra definition. Use a spoolie brush to comb through your brows and then apply the product, starting from the inner corner and working your way outwards. Focus on creating a soft, curved shape for that pin-up aesthetic.
Classic Winged Eyeliner
The classic winged eyeliner is a quintessential part of retro and pin-up-inspired makeup. It adds a touch of glamour and draws attention to your eyes. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner look.
Choosing the Right Eyeliner
When it comes to winged eyeliner, choosing the right eyeliner product is crucial. Opt for a liquid or gel eyeliner with a fine-tip brush for precision. These formulas provide smooth application and allow you to create clean, sharp lines. Black is the classic choice for a winged eyeliner, but you can also experiment with other colors to match your overall pin-up look.
Creating the Winged Shape
To create the winged shape, start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and extending slightly beyond the outer corner. This line will act as the base for your wing. Next, draw a line extending from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow, angling it upwards. Connect this line with the base line to create the wing shape. Fill in the shape and thicken the line as desired.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve created the perfect winged shape, it’s time to add some finishing touches to complete the look. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to open up your eyes, and apply a few coats of mascara for added length and volume. You can also opt to apply false lashes for extra drama, but make sure they blend seamlessly with your natural lashes.
Captivating Cat Eye
For those who want to go even bolder with their eye makeup, the captivating cat eye is the way to go. This look combines the classic winged eyeliner with the addition of winged false lashes.
Creating a Dramatic Cat Eye
To create a dramatic cat eye, follow the same steps for classic winged eyeliner. Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, extending it slightly beyond the outer corner. Then, draw a line from the outer corner towards the end of your eyebrow, angling it upwards to create the wing. However, for the captivating cat eye, make the lines thicker and more pronounced, exaggerating the wing shape. Fill in the shape and intensify the liner for a bold, statement look.
Adding Winged False Lashes
To take the cat eye to the next level, add winged false lashes. Opt for lashes that are longer on the outer corners to emphasize the winged shape. Apply a thin strip of lash glue along the band and let it sit for a few seconds to become tacky. Then, carefully place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible, starting from the inner corner and pressing them down gently. Adjust the position using tweezers if needed, and let the glue dry completely.
Alluring Eyeshadow
To complement your retro and pin-up-inspired eye makeup, alluring eyeshadow is a must. These steps will help you achieve a captivating eyeshadow look that complements your overall style.
Choosing Retro-inspired Colors
When it comes to alluring eyeshadow, look for retro-inspired colors that scream vintage. Think warm earth tones, soft pastels, and romantic neutrals. Shades like copper, bronze, peach, and dusty rose work well for creating that unique pin-up vibe. Choose two or three shades that complement each other and your eye color.
Blend and Define the Crease
Start by applying a transition shade, such as a light brown or peachy tone, to your crease. Use a fluffy blending brush to blend the color back and forth in windshield wiper motions. This will create a soft, diffused effect and add depth to your eyes. Next, apply a slightly darker shade to the outer corners of your eyes and blend it into the crease. This will create a defined, contoured look and give your eyes a retro-inspired dimension.
Highlighting the Inner Corners
To brighten up your eyes and add a touch of glamour, highlight the inner corners of your eyes with a shimmery or iridescent eyeshadow. Choose a shade that complements the rest of your eyeshadow and gently pat it onto the inner corners using a small eyeshadow brush. This will create a beautiful contrast and make your eyes appear more awake and youthful.
Doll-like Flushed Cheeks
To achieve that doll-like pin-up look, you can’t forget about the flushed cheeks. Rosy, vibrant cheeks are a signature element of retro and pin-up-inspired makeup. Here’s how you can achieve that doll-like flush.
Selecting the Right Blush Shade
When it comes to blush, opt for shades that mimic a natural flush. Choose rosy pinks, soft corals, or peachy tones that complement your skin tone. Fair skin tones can go for lighter shades, while deeper skin tones can choose richer and more vibrant shades. Avoid shades that are too overpowering, as you want your blush to enhance your natural complexion rather than overpower it.
Applying Blush correctly
To apply blush correctly, smile and locate the apples of your cheeks. With a blush brush, apply a small amount of blush to the apples and blend it upwards towards your temples. Make sure to tap off any excess product from the brush before applying to prevent harsh lines. The goal is to create a soft, natural-looking flush that accentuates your cheekbones and adds a youthful glow.
Luscious and Defined Lips
No pin-up-inspired makeup look is complete without luscious and defined lips. Whether you opt for a classic red or a playful pink, your lips should be a focal point of your retro look. Here’s how you can achieve those picture-perfect pin-up lips.
Choosing Pin-up Inspired Lipstick Shades
Pin-up-inspired lipsticks are all about bold, vibrant shades that exude confidence and femininity. The classic red lip is a staple, but you can also experiment with other shades like vibrant pinks, deep berry tones, or even a playful coral. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and matches the overall color palette of your makeup look.
Applying Lip Liner
To help define and shape your lips, always start by applying lip liner. Choose a lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick shade or is slightly darker. Outline your lips, following the natural shape, and then fill them in to create a base for your lipstick. This will prevent feathering or bleeding and ensure your lip color stays put throughout the day.
Creating the Perfect Cupid’s Bow
To achieve that iconic pin-up pout, emphasize your Cupid’s bow. Use a lip liner or a small brush dipped in concealer to clean up the edges of your lips and create a sharp, defined Cupid’s bow shape. This will give your lips a more defined and precise appearance, enhancing the overall retro look.
Setting the Look
Once you’ve perfected your retro pin-up style, it’s important to set the look to ensure it lasts all day. Setting your makeup helps to keep everything in place and minimize the need for touch-ups.
Applying Setting Spray
After completing your makeup, finish off by spritzing a setting spray all over your face. Setting sprays help to lock in your makeup and keep it looking fresh for hours. Hold the spray bottle about 12 inches away from your face and mist it evenly, making sure to cover your entire face.
Blotting Excess Oil
If you’re prone to oiliness, especially in the T-zone, keep blotting papers or oil-absorbing sheets handy throughout the day. Press the paper or sheet gently against your skin to absorb any excess oil, without disturbing your makeup. This will keep your skin looking matte and ensure your retro pin-up look stays flawless.
Embracing the Retro Pin-up Style
To fully embrace the retro pin-up style, it’s not just about the makeup. The overall look and style play a significant role in channeling that vintage vibe.
Vintage Hairstyles
Complete your retro look with a vintage-inspired hairstyle. Consider classic pin-up hairstyles like victory rolls, soft curls, or a glamorous updo. Use styling tools and products to achieve the desired look, and don’t forget to accessorize with hair accessories or a bold headband.
Accessories
Incorporate pin-up-inspired accessories into your look to enhance the retro feel. Think headbands, hair scarves, cat-eye sunglasses, and vibrant statement jewelry. These accessories can instantly elevate your outfit and give you that authentic pin-up style.
Fashion Choices
Choose clothing pieces that reflect the retro pin-up style. Opt for figure-flattering silhouettes like swing dresses, pencil skirts, high-waisted pants, or crop tops. Look for vintage-inspired prints and patterns such as polka dots, floral motifs, or nautical themes. Pair your outfit with the right shoes and accessories to complete your pin-up look from head to toe.
In conclusion, to create a retro and pin-up-inspired makeup look, it’s important to pay attention to every detail. From choosing the right foundation shade to perfecting your winged eyeliner and luscious lips, each step contributes to achieving that timeless vintage aesthetic. Embrace the pin-up style not only through makeup but also through vintage hairstyles, accessories, and fashion choices. So go ahead, channel your inner pin-up and rock that glamorous retro look!
