My mom was never much of a makeup person, so when I became interested in all the products lining my local beauty store as a teen, I did a lot of learning on my own.
There was a bunch of trial and error at first, and some unfortunate school yearbook photos to prove it, but I eventually found the best lessons were from all the most gorgeous ladies of the past. Sure, they had makeup crews who helped ensure every single lash and every bit of lipliner was in place, but that doesn't mean we can't achieve looks just as spectacular on our own!
Though beauty fads come and go, all of these women nailed the most timeless techniques — which is exactly why they'll always be considered "in style!"
Did we miss your favorite classic lady's amazing makeup look? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends.
1. Thick Eyebrows
We all go through that phase where we pluck our brows so much, they all but disappear. But allowing them to stand out, either naturally like Audrey Hepburn's or filled in with an eyebrow pencil, can definitely be a super chic look.
2. Overdrawn Lip Liner
Long before lip plumpers and injections, icons like Lucille Ball achieved the same full effect by applying their liner slightly outside of the natural lip.
3. Heavy Blush
This look was essential for the contour of a face to stand out in old black and white films, but a bright rosy glow like Maureen O'Hara's appears just as beautiful in Technicolor.
4. White Eyeliner
This trick has been around for decades, as shown here with silent movie actress Miriam Cooper, using the white liner on the bottom lid to create the illusion of wider eyes. You can also use it to accent black winged eyeliner to really make it pop!
5. Graphic Eyeliner
Elizabeth Taylor's role in Cleopatra definitely sparked bold eyeliner choices for women, who also embraced her blue-tinted lids. The look is a classic that still would stand out today.
6. Skipping Eyeliner
Or you can forego all of those options like Carole Lombard for a smokey, almost spooky femme fatale aesthetic.
7. Lush False Eyelashes
Unlike Liz, who was born with a double layer of natural eyelashes, the rest of us need some help — from extensions and temporary falsies — to achieve the alluring look, shown here on iconic vixen Mae West.
8. Distinct Lower Lashes
Twiggy, the "It Girl" of the 1960s, turned heads with her striking eyes by using liner to emphasize the lower lashes.
9. Cut Crease Eyeshadow
Ladies like the gorgeous Sharon Tate also found inspiration in Twiggy's cut crease technique for an elegant, yet dramatic appearance.
10. Faux Beauty Mark
You can go with the classic Marilyn look, or find the best focal point for your individual face. If you're lucky enough to have one naturally, highlighting it with some eyeliner can really help it stand out.
Did we miss your favorite old school makeup trend? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
