1920s Flapper

Thin, downward-turned eyebrows, dark 'cupid's bow' lips, kohl-rimmed sad eyes.

1920s Flapper is a dramatic, vintage-inspired makeup style characterized by a powdery matte complexion, thin downward-sloping eyebrows, and heavily smoked, melancholic eyes. Originating in the roaring twenties as a bold rebellion against conservative beauty standards, the look is famously defined by its exaggerated, deeply pigmented Cupid's bow lip shape that leaves the outer corners completely bare. This theatrical application is perfect for costume events, stage performances, or any occasion requiring an authentic throwback to the Jazz Age.

To create 1920s Flapper makeup, start with a pale, fully matte base and conceal the outer edges of your natural brows to draw a thin, downward arch. Apply a heavy, rounded charcoal smokey eye and smudged kohl liner. Finish by stamping matte blush onto the apples of your cheeks and drawing a condensed, dark burgundy Cupid's bow.

Full Look Lips Brows Eyes Retro Dramatic Matte Costume/Theme Theatrical

~18 min 6 steps 16 products

The Kit

Full-Coverage Matte Foundation
Makeup Sponge
Translucent Setting Powder
Powder Puff
Full-Coverage Concealer
Fine-Tipped Dark Brow Pencil
Dark Charcoal Eyeshadow
Flat Shader Brush
Smudger Brush
Black Kohl Pencil
Dense Smudge Brush
Black Volumizing Mascara
Matte Brick-Red Blush
Small Blush Brush
Deep Plum Lip Liner
Matte Burgundy Lipstick

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How to Create 1920s Flapper

Create Matte Base

Apply a full-coverage, matte foundation slightly paler than your natural tone using a makeup sponge. Press translucent setting powder all over the face with a powder puff to completely mattify the complexion.
Draw Downward Brows

Blank out the outer halves of your natural brows using a full-coverage concealer. With a fine-tipped dark brow pencil, draw a thin, dramatic line that arches slightly and extends sharply downward toward the temples.
Smoke the Eyes

Pack a dark charcoal eyeshadow onto the entire upper lid using a flat shader brush. Blend the shadow heavily along the lower lash line with a smudger brush, dragging the color slightly downwards at the outer corners to create a heavy, rounded 'sad eye' shape.
Smudge Kohl Liner

Generously rim both the upper and lower waterlines and lash lines with a black kohl pencil. Smudge the edges with a dense smudge brush for a smoky effect, then apply multiple heavy coats of black volumizing mascara to top and bottom lashes.
Apply Rounded Rouge

Using a small blush brush, stamp a matte brick-red blush directly onto the apples of the cheeks. Keep the application round and doll-like, avoiding sweeping the color upward along the cheekbones.
Shape Cupid's Bow

Mute your natural lip line with concealer. Use a deep plum lip liner to draw an exaggerated, rounded Cupid's bow on the top lip and a shortened bottom lip, then fill the center with a matte burgundy lipstick while leaving the outer corners entirely bare.

Pro Tips

For the most authentic lip shape, use a stiff lip brush to carve out the sharp peaks of the Cupid's bow, ensuring the deep plum color doesn't bleed into the concealed outer corners.
If you have thick eyebrows, use a cosmetic-safe glue stick to lay the hairs completely flat before applying full-coverage concealer and powder to seamlessly blank them out.
When creating the 'sad eye' effect, concentrate your blending efforts downward towards the outer cheekbone rather than lifting the eyeshadow toward the temple like a modern cat-eye.

Common Questions

What does 1920s Flapper makeup look like?

The 1920s Flapper look features a pale, ultra-matte complexion paired with dramatic, downward-sloping thin eyebrows. The eyes are heavily rimmed with dark kohl to create a rounded, drooping shape, while the lips are painted into a tiny, exaggerated Cupid's bow.

What products do I need for a 1920s Flapper makeup look?

You will need a full-coverage matte foundation and powder, a black kohl pencil, and dark charcoal eyeshadow. Essential details also require a full-coverage concealer to block out your natural brows and lips, plus a deep burgundy lip liner and lipstick to shape the iconic pout.

Is the 1920s Flapper look suitable for beginners?

Because it requires advanced techniques like blocking out natural features and drastically altering lip and brow shapes, this theatrical style is considered difficult. Beginners should practice the exaggerated Cupid's bow and brow-blocking techniques before wearing the look to an event.

What is the difference between 1920s and 1930s makeup?

While 1920s makeup features heavily smoked, rounded 'sad' eyes and a pouty, condensed Cupid's bow, 1930s makeup transitioned to softer eyes and more elongated, natural lip shapes. The 1920s also favored a distinct downward slope to the brow, whereas the 1930s embraced high, thin, rounded arches.

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