In honor of our exclusive makeup collection inspired by the legendary Ella Fitzgerald®, a true icon of Jazz music, we’re excited to share the signature looks and essential makeup techniques that defined the beauty trends of the 1930s. This era was pivotal in shaping modern makeup styles, and we want you to explore how to recreate these timeless aesthetics.
During the Great Depression, while Ella Fitzgerald was carving out her illustrious career, she also established a fashion sense characterized by playful elements like sequins and feathers. Her makeup approach was notably minimalistic, even as women’s beauty routines became increasingly sophisticated, influenced by the burgeoning Hollywood glamour that magazines began to promote. This shift in beauty standards encouraged women to embrace refined, yet accessible looks.
Discover the Iconic Makeup Styles of the 1930s
The beauty standards of the 1930s marked a significant shift from the boldness of the 1920s, embracing a softer and more refined aesthetic. Influences from Hollywood and the realities of the Great Depression shaped this era’s makeup trends. Signature looks featured captivating eyes enhanced with generous layers of mascara, elegantly shaped thin eyebrows, and a palette of soft or pale eyeshadows. Lips were characterized by fullness, often overdrawn, with a distinctive shape that flared at the corners. This overall makeup style was notably less dramatic compared to the previous decade, reflecting the evolving tastes of women during this transformative period.
If you’re eager to channel the essence of the 1930s in your makeup, explore our curated 1930s and Jazz Age value sets. These collections feature all the limited-edition products from our Ella Fitzgerald® range, accompanied by a variety of accessories and bonus makeup items designed to help you effortlessly recreate an authentic 30s look.
Unlock the Secrets of 1930s Mascara Techniques
The signature look for any Jazz Age beauty was undoubtedly defined by the application of abundant mascara. During this period, Cake Mascara emerged as the most favored type, celebrated for its multifunctionality, allowing it to be applied to both lashes and brows. This product was pivotal in achieving the dramatic eye looks that defined the era and remains a staple in vintage beauty routines.
Bésame Cosmetics has meticulously researched and revitalized the classic cake mascara formula, infusing it with modern scientific advancements. This easy-to-use product is activated with just a touch of water and contains fewer than 10 ingredients, making it a popular choice among those seeking a cleaner, more gentle alternative. Its versatility is unmatched, allowing users to create dramatic cat-eye effects or to cater to those with sensitivities to conventional mascaras. The pure formulation of Bésame’s Cake Mascara continues to win over fans. Dive deeper into the world of Cake Mascara here.
Explore the Evolving Eye Makeup Trends of the 1930s
As Hollywood entered its Golden Age, women gained access to a wider array of beauty products and color options than ever before. Eyebrows maintained their slim silhouette but became slightly fuller than those of the 1920s, often sporting a pronounced arch that extended towards the temples. Eyeshadow flourished during this time, with lighter shades gaining popularity, especially metallics like silver and gold. To emulate this timeless beauty, check out our limited-edition Ella Fitzgerald® Eyeshadow Quad, which features a stunning array of matte and shimmer shades, including mauve, taupe, rich coffee brown, and delicate pale pink, perfect for accentuating and highlighting the eyes.
For an authentic 1930s eye makeup look, apply the taupe or deeper brown shade to the crease of your upper lid and blend it seamlessly with the light mauve or pale pink to beautifully highlight the brow bone. Elevate your vintage-inspired look further with our selection of faux lashes that capture the essence of the 1930s.
Uncover the Lipstick Trends of the Great Depression Era
During the challenging times of the Great Depression, many women turned to smaller luxuries, such as lipstick, to uplift their spirits. This trend became particularly popular in the 1930s, shifting from the rounded lips of the previous decade. The signature look involved creating rounded flares at the corners, famously known as the “Crawford Smear.” Popular shades included light rose, raspberry, maroon, dark red, and orange tones, with brighter reds making their debut later in the decade. At Bésame, we’re proud to have revived several historic lipstick shades from the 1930s, such as Cherry Red and Carmine, while introducing new, creamy shades inspired by the Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. Our shades Apollo, a deep cool brick red, and Savoy, a stunning terracotta brown-red, are designed to flatter a wide variety of skin tones.
Explore the Timeless Nail Polish Colors of the 1930s
Nail polish trends in the 1930s typically featured a minimalist approach, with color applied only to the center of the nail, leaving the half-moon and tips bare. Popular shades included pale rose, light pink, and cream. For a modern take, consider trying our creamy shade, Blooming Beige. Throughout the decade, the range of nail colors expanded, allowing women to match their nail polish to a variety of dress colors, reflecting the evolving styles of the time.
If you decide to recreate a stunning makeup look inspired by the 1930s, we encourage you to share your creation on social media and tag us at Bésame Cosmetics. We love seeing how you bring vintage beauty to life!
