Ever wondered how the bold spirit of the 1920s Jazz Age transformed the way people painted their faces? Imagine, for a second, the thrill of Lagos nightlife today—now travel back a century to smoky dance halls in New York or London, where makeup became a tool of independence just as music electrified the air. The 1920s makeup era didn’t just challenge beauty standards—it rewrote them, using every lipstick stroke and eyebrow arch as a declaration of freedom. Renowned makeup historian Lisa Eldridge captures this mood, warning against flashy golds and harsh shadows while urging us to rediscover the delicate art of watercolor blush and those playful, experimental brows.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Takeaways
- 1920s makeup was a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and emerging feminine independence.
- Iconic looks included sharply defined lips, pencil-thin brows, and adventurous eyeshadows.
- Techniques from the past—like watercolor blush—are reportedly making a return among style enthusiasts today.
- According to Lisa Eldridge and other beauty historians, mastering the look is about subtle artistry—not stage makeup.
Iconic 1920s Makeup Trends and Techniques
Picture the flapper spirit: short bobs, swinging beads, and laughter echoing at every event. Just like today’s Owambe parties, everyone wanted to stand out. The 1920s makeup scene was fierce, expressive, and sometimes “unapologetically extra,” if you ask any Naija auntie with a flair for style.
1. Cupid’s Bow Lips
Source: Getty Images
The Cupid’s bow lip was pure drama—a small, heart-like pout made famous by silent film icons such as Clara Bow. Women emphasized the center of their upper lips, tucking in the corners for that “baby-doll” effect. Bolder the better: deep reds, moody plums, and rich burgundy shades were the order of the day, expertly applied for a perfect point. Lagos party-goers who swear by their red lippie today are keeping this legacy alive!
2. Pencil-Thin, Arched Eyebrows
Source: Getty Images
As if each brow was drawn with a tailor’s precision, women shaved or meticulously plucked their brows before sketching ultra-fine arches high on the face. Some say the higher the arch, the greater the intrigue—just like how a raised brow in Lagos can mean “Are you serious?” or “Tell me more!” It was pure facial artistry, designed to catch every flicker of emotion.
3. Rosy, Round Cheeks
Source: Getty Images
Rouge was applied in warm, circular dabs—think cheerful Sunday morning in Yaba or the vibrant cheeks of festival dancers. Creams and powders in coral, pink, or berry instantly enlivened the skin, much like how small chops always lift your spirit at any gathering. Some resourceful ladies even used beet juice for a budget-friendly, natural tint.
4. Smoky, Kohl-Rimmed Eyes
Source: Getty Images
Kohl eyeliner wasn’t just a makeup item—it was the drama king of the vanity table. Lining both lash lines, then smudging for a mysterious haze, women created a hypnotic look. Dark eyeshadows completed the effect, drawing even more attention to the windows of the soul. If you’ve ever “chuked” out your eyes with black pencil before heading into Lagos traffic, you’re channeling this vintage glam.
5. Pale, Matte Complexion
Source: Getty Images
Rice powder, not foundation, was the MVP here—delivering a soft, matte, near-porcelain base. This gentle paleness allowed those vibrant lips and eyes to shine. Some Nigerians still believe in “powdering the face before anything”—a habit rooted in this century-old trend.
6. Eyeshadow in Bold Colours
Source: Getty Images
Why settle for plain when you can shimmer with peacock blue, emerald green, or glimmering gold? Eyeshadow wasn’t boring—women layered intense colours, blending each shade for a smoky, “soft-focus” finish. Evenings called for extra flair, just like a Friday night around Ikeja or Abuja’s hotspots!
7. Lashes Darkened with Cake Mascara
Source: Getty Images
Cake mascara, activated with a splash of water, added just enough drama without clumping. Lashes were softly lengthened—no spider eyes here! A look that’s coming back, especially among Nigerian women chasing that “no filter, just face” vibe on Instagram.
8. Beauty Spots or Artificial Moles
Source: Getty Images
Tiny beauty spots—real or pencilled on—were like a wink across the room. Placed near the lips, cheek, or brow, these dots hinted at playfulness and mystery. Who says you can’t own your birthmark or beauty mark and make it work for you?
9. Petroleum Jelly for Shine
Source: Getty Images
Long before fancy gels, a dab of petroleum jelly (yes, Vaseline!) delivered glossy eyelids, shiny lashes, and smooth, shaped brows. Naija mamas still swear by this secret for “popping shine”—some beauty tricks never fade.
10. Faux Eyelashes
Source: Getty Images
Imported from theatre and film, faux lashes were carefully trimmed and glued to create sweeping drama. Not unlike today’s “lash extension” trends sweeping Nigerian beauty salons—just with a bit more DIY hustle!
11. Skin Care
Source: Getty Images
Skin prep was serious business. Women relied on rich cold cream, massaging it in to dissolve dirt and hydrate the skin, then wiping it away to create a silky canvas. It’s the same dedication you’ll find today among Nigerian skincare enthusiasts, determined to keep “fresher than tomorrow.”
How Do You Do 1920s Eye Makeup?
Want to look like you just strolled out of a Prohibition-era jazz club? Here’s how you can nail the 1920s eye makeup look:
- Use shadows in charcoal, brown, or plum, blending gently across lids and under the eyes for a classic “smoked out” finish.
- Line upper and lower lash lines with kohl or a soft pencil, gently smudging the edges. No sharp lines—just sultry sophistication.
- If you can find it, old-school cake mascara adds authenticity; if not, regular black mascara will still capture the spirit.
- Sketch long, pencil-thin arches high above the natural brow line using a dark pencil.
- For a finishing touch, dab a tiny bit of petroleum jelly onto eyelids for subtle shine—a trick that never fails even on a Lagos night out!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recreating the 1920s Makeup Look
As Lisa Eldridge reportedly explained in a tutorial, the biggest slip-up is making the look “too Halloween”—turning elegance into caricature. According to her:
Using the Wrong Gold Tones
Don’t reach for just any gold shadow. Eldridge cautions against golds that are overly brassy or orange. Opt for antique hues, not disco-ball shine.
Overusing Black Shadows
Although black is popular now, the 1920s was more about subtle, smudged browns and grays—softer, more “I woke up like this” than “makeup artist gone wild.”
Underrated 1920s Techniques Worth Bringing Back
Beyond lipstick and powder, the twenties had some seriously inventive ideas:
- Watercolor Blush: Soft layers, artistically blended for a delicate flush—like painting your own masterpiece.
- Experimental Brows: Not just pencil-thin, but sometimes bleached, gold-dusted, or “blocked out” for avant-garde drama.
What Colour Lipstick Did They Wear in the 1920s?
Deep reds, plum, and burgundy stole the show in the Roaring ’20s. These bold hues reigned at parties, while softer reds or raspberries tended to pop up during the day. Picture the confidence of a Nigerian woman who boldly rocks her red lipstick on a Monday morning—the same energy, just a different era.
To sum it up, 1920s makeup is proof that courage and creativity always set the trends. From Lagos to London, bold arches and fiery lips continue to inspire—and redefine—beauty across continents. Want to stand out at your next event or just shake up your regular glam? The secret might just be hidden in those century-old powder boxes.
Which vintage makeup trick will you try next? Have you ever spotted a “flapper” look at a Nigerian wedding or outing? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s gist!
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