The 1950s were a decade of great change: a real period of rebirth, both in America and in Europe, after the two wars that involved the whole world. This moment of prosperity brought several changes in the way of life especially of women...
The 1950s have remained in everyone's memory as the decade of rock 'n' roll, blue jeans, t-shirts, pin-ups and the first bikinis. But also, and above all, of the technological innovations that finally become part of the daily life of men and women, changing habits and becoming the new "status symbols".
The first televisions began to enter the homes and the women, the owners of the home, began to have washing machines, refrigerators, irons and blenders at their disposal!
All these innovations could not fail to translate into changes in lifestyle.
During the 1950s, television and cinema dictated fashions and influenced the habits and customs of both the old continent and America, so much so that many styles and codes of clothing began to coexist: on the one hand, the bon ton of the perfect American housewife, and on the other, the most striking of the pin-ups.
In any case, it was the great divas of the cinema that became the icons of these years. Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and others became real models of beauty to be inspired in every way.
The make-up of the great divas of the '50s
During the 1950s, women began to see makeup and cosmetics as a way of expression. The goal was to emulate their own myths and to always look beautiful and well-kept. As we have already mentioned, with television and cinema new models were born to imitate and follow. In America, and beyond, the beauty icons that inspire most women are three: the divine Grace Kelly, the sensual Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, the diva with the beauty of soap and water. Three different ways of understanding the beauty that still today "divide" women on who among them can be elected the undisputed queen of the '50s.
Regardless of what the diva of the heart was, the 1950s makeup inspired by the divas of the cinema foresaw:
black pencil or eyeliner;
lipstick or lip gloss in the shades of red (typical of the most acclaimed divas);
black or brown mascara to be applied only to the upper lashes;
cream or dark beige eyeshadows;
high coverage foundation;
peach-coloured blush.
In short, regardless of whether you preferred the elegant and timeless style of Grace, the sweet and simple style of Audrey or the sensual style of Marylin, there were rules in terms of makeup that had to be respected.
Facial skin care
Although with different styles and charms, the three iconic divas of the '50s attached great importance to facial skin care. Skin hydration was essential to keep the skin young and healthy; moreover, given the great use of make-up products, having a well hydrated skin was essential to protect it from external and aggressive agents.
As far as skin health was concerned, each one followed a precise beauty routine:
- Marilyn Monroe used an intensive cream with a high moisturizing power over which she applied Vaseline as if it were a primer;
- Grace Kelly, who later became Princess of Monaco, devoted a lot of attention to skincare, choosing quality products that were ideal for keeping skin hydrated;
- Audrey Hepburn, on the other hand, had very dry facial skin, which led her to use the best moisturizing creams available.
So keeping your skin healthy was the first step, not only for Hollywood stars but also for ordinary women, to achieve that much-needed beauty. And it was the divas themselves who set a good example!
The make up line dedicated to Marilyn Monroe
A few years ago a well-known make up brand launched a line of products entirely dedicated to the beautiful Marilyn Monroe.
The capsule collection, created in collaboration with Authentic Brands Group LLC, which acquired the intellectual property of Marilyn Monroe, included about thirty products including lipsticks, glosses, lip and eye pencils, eye shadows, nail polishes and blushes.
The top products were black eyeliner and red lipstick, the same used to make up the models of John Richmond's Fall Winter 2012/2013 fashion show inspired by the legendary Marilyn.
In short, the makeup of the 50s divas is so loved that it survives even today! After all, who wouldn't want to look at least a little like one of them?