THE HISTORY AND TUTORIAL OF AUTHENTIC 1940S MAKEUP

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools.

During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics shortages, since petroleum and alcohol – some of the main ingredients in makeup at the time – were used for the war effort. When makeup ran out, women turned to home remedies to substitute, such as using beetroot juice to stain lips and petroleum jelly to darken lashes and shape eyebrows.

In the United States, cosmetics continued to be manufactured throughout the war and were seen by the government as a morale booster for the busy women on the home front. Women were encouraged to wear makeup all the time to hide sadness and attract men, even while at work. Athletes even wore makeup. Color films had a big impact on the market, as women could now imitate the shades worn by Hollywood starlets. By 1948, between 80 and 90 percent of women wore lipstick, two thirds wore rouge, and a quarter wore eye makeup.

The 1940s makeup look exudes classic sophistication and is surprisingly easy to recreate. The emphasis was on a flawless, fresh-faced appearance—natural, never overly done. Less was definitely more, which worked out well, especially during the war years when many women had to make do with fewer products and resources.

Although the final result seems simple, a woman’s 1940s makeup routine could take some time—quick five-minute makeup wasn’t a thing! The process began with applying and blending thick foundation. Women were encouraged to shape their face with both light and dark shades of foundation—darker tones could be used to contour areas like a large nose, broad forehead, or square jaw, while lighter shades on the cheeks would add a fuller, plumper appearance.

Next, eye shadow was applied, followed by moist rouge. This was often used not only for color but also for subtle shaping, always ensuring the look remained natural. Afterward, a generous application of powder was pressed into the face with a large velour or wool puff. The powder was applied heavily to ensure a matte finish, covering the entire face. Excess powder was then brushed away with a powder brush to reveal a smooth, polished look.

If the moist rouge needed extra reinforcement, a powdered version was applied on top of the powder. The final steps included defining the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil, applying mascara for fuller lashes, and finishing with the signature bold lipstick.

What You’ll Need:

  • Foundation: Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
  • Powder: Loose powder that matches your skin tone to set the foundation.
  • Cream Rouge: Go for a rose-pink cream rouge (avoid powder if possible, unless that’s all you have).
  • Eyebrow Pencil: Choose a pencil that matches your natural brow color, or one shade darker than your hair.
  • Eye Shadow: (Optional, for evening wear) Use matte shadows that match your eye color—avoid shimmer.
  • Mascara: Dark brown or black mascara, or you can even use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for a more subtle lash effect.
  • Lipstick: A classic, matte red lipstick for that bold, vintage look.

1940s Foundation and Powder

Foundations in the 1940s were quite different from today’s lightweight options. There were fewer shades available, and most foundations had a pinkish tint, which worked well for white women, but wasn’t always suitable for women of color. Many Black women, for instance, either mixed their own makeup or often went without powder.

Foundations during this time were much thicker and creamier compared to today’s formulations. Liquid foundations as we know them didn’t exist, and the creamier formulas helped provide a fuller coverage. Face powder, which was essential, was used to set the foundation and keep the face matte throughout the day. It matched the skin tone but was also used to help the foundation adhere better to the face—foundation alone would often cause powder to slip off.

The foundation and powder were extended down the neck and onto the blouse or dress line, as it was common for the foundation shade to not perfectly match the skin on the rest of the body. This helped create a seamless, blended look.

Tip: For a smooth application, lightly coat your face with baby oil (or mineral oil) before applying foundation. This helps create a smooth base and allows the foundation to blend more easily.

1940S FACE POWDER

Powders should match your natural skin tone as much as possible. Light shades kept a woman looking fresh and youthful, while a slightly bronzed shade added a sun kissed glow, popular with movie stars. Almost all makeup lines carried a sun kissed color or two.

If you are over 40, your skin is prone to yellowing, in which case a powder with a pink tinge will work better for you.  To apply, use a puff to dust your face all over and then brush from the neck up to the forehead. Only brush down once to finish and smooth out face fuzz.

Tip: A fluffy face puff makes a difference. Don’t use compressed powder with a flat pad for early 1940s looks. Pan-cake compressed makeup came out in the mid 1940s with big success. To women who could afford it, it provided more coverage applied in less time. Just remember to always brush up, never down.

1940s Blush

In the 1940s, blush (referred to as rouge) was applied sparingly to create a natural, rosy glow. The shades of rouge were limited, typically ranging from peach and coral to raspberry tones, with darker shades for those with bronze or deeper skin tones. Cream rouge (moist rouge) was the preferred choice, giving a more natural look, and was often blended directly into the foundation. Powdered rouges were also used lightly over the cheeks to give a soft flush.

Although rouge was an important part of the look, it wasn’t strictly necessary for achieving the 1940s style. You could still achieve the desired effect without it.

Tip: If you can’t find cream rouge, a light matte lipstick in a pink or peach shade works well. Simply apply it with your fingers, dab it on the cheeks, and blend it in until it seamlessly matches your skin tone.

Cream or liquid rouges were sometimes found in theatrical costume makeup stores and, in modern times, can be found in some makeup brands on platforms like Amazon.

1940s Eyebrows

The 1940s eyebrows were a continuation of the 1930s style, with thin, beautifully arched brows being the key feature. Eyebrows were kept natural-looking, with only stray hairs removed to maintain a soft, even arch. The arch itself was well-groomed but not overly thin—most women didn’t over-pluck.

Eyebrows were often defined with a pencil that was slightly darker than the hair color, or some women simply applied a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the brows in place and enhance their natural shape. For daywear, this softer look was more common, while in the evening, brows might be more defined.

As the decade progressed, the full, more defined brows of the late ’40s began to take hold, but they were never as thick as modern-day brows.

1940s Eye Makeup

Eye makeup in the 1940s was quite minimal, especially during the daytime. Most women wore just a light coat of mascara, often in dark brown or black. Some even used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to achieve a subtle lash definition. Mascara came in different forms—liquid, paste, or cake—often built up by adding a little water or spit to the cake to get the desired consistency. Mascara was applied to both the upper and lower lashes for a fuller look.

For evening looks, eye shadow could be used, but only in neutral tones. The colors were typically chosen to match the eye color—blue-grey for blue eyes, grey for green eyes, and brown for brown or hazel eyes. The eyeshadow was applied in a single color, blended from the lash line up to the brow for an elegant and simple look. No smoky eyes or contouring here—just one shade blended well. For evening looks, sometimes silver or gold was added to create a little extra glamour.

Eyeliner wasn’t commonly used in the early 1940s; it was considered too harsh and “fake-looking.” It didn’t make an appearance until the late ’40s, and even then, it was applied only to the top lash line.

1940s Lipstick

Lips were the focal point of 1940s makeup, especially during the war years, when red lipstick was seen as a mood booster. Lipstick shades varied from bluish reds to orange-toned reds, but they were all red! Bright pinks weren’t worn until the 1950s, so reds were a constant. In the fall, red lipstick tended to get darker, and in the spring, it lightened up a bit.

Most lipsticks of the time were matte, and women were advised to moisturize their lips before applying. After applying lipstick, they would often blot their lips with a tissue to ensure the color stayed put. By 1948, lipstick pencils were introduced, allowing for a more precise application and a perfect outline around the lips.

The ideal lip shape was full and even, with a smooth contour on the top and bottom lips. The “Hunter’s Bow” lip shape, popularized by Joan Crawford, involved slightly over-drawing the lips to make them appear plumper. However, actresses like Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman embraced their naturally thin lips and didn’t over-draw them.

Tip: To achieve a perfectly shaped lip, start with the cupid’s bow and draw the pencil out to the corners of the mouth. Fill in with lipstick and gently rub your lips together to ensure an even finish. Touch up any uneven spots on the bottom lip.

1940s Fingernail Polish

In the 1940s, nails were always neatly trimmed, often filed into a long oval shape. During wartime, nails were kept a bit shorter for safety, but they were still manicured regularly. Cuticles were carefully trimmed and moisturized for a polished look.

Nail polish in the ’40s was almost always red, and matching your nails to your lipstick was the norm. Other shades like pink, coral, rose, and burgundy were also popular. A clear topcoat was always used for durability, and some women embraced the “half-moon” style, where the base of the nail (around the cuticle) was left unpainted.

Tip: To create a half-moon shape on your nails, apply paper reinforcements to the base of each nail, aligning the top of the hole with the cuticle. Paint your nails, then remove the reinforcements before the polish fully dries for a neat, vintage look.

1940s Makeup Products to Buy Today

To create an authentic 1940s look today, you don’t need a complicated routine. A bit of face powder, black mascara, well-defined brows, and red lipstick will give you that classic, vintage style. Modern makeup tends to have more shine and glitter, but for a true 1940s look, opt for matte products—especially for your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Tip: Many modern makeup lines offer matte formulas, but brands like Revlon and Max Factor (which were popular in the 1940s) still offer products that capture that vintage style. Besame is another brand that specializes in recreating vintage makeup colors and formulas from the ’40s.

For a more subtle daytime look, keep your makeup light—just a dusting of powder, a touch of blush, and a swipe of mascara. For a more dramatic evening or pinup style, go heavier on the lipstick and mascara, and use a little more rouge for that retro glam.

TOP 16 BURGUNDY AND GOLD NAIL IDEAS

Are you looking for impressive, luxurious and outstanding nail designs? Try combining burgundy nails with gold. This combination brings charm, personality and sophistication, suitable for all occasions. The article below will help us explore 16 beautiful nail designs with a combination of powerful burgundy and sparkling gold. Let’s take a look and create your own impressive nail sets!

16 SUGGESTED BURGUNDY AND GOLD NAIL DESIGNS

CLASSIC BURGUNDY AND GOLD NAILS WITH GLITTER

The combination of classic burgundy and gold glitter provides a sophisticated and luxurious nail design, suitable for any occasion. A deep burgundy base creates a powerful, seductive look, while glittering gold polish accents add a youthful, modern touch. You can get creative with this design by painting gold glitter on the tips of your nails or creating highlights on a few fingers. This nail style not only enhances the beauty of your hands but also shows your personality and style.

BURGUNDY NAILS WITH GOLD FOIL

It starts with a matte burgundy base, which gives it a luxurious and mysterious feel. Next, use tweezers or a nail brush to apply small pieces of gold foil to the nail. You can get creative with the position and arrangement of the gold leaf to create your own unique nail designs. Finally, finish with a clear coat of varnish to protect the trim and bring back the shine. Matte burgundy nails with gold foil are suitable for special events or simply when you want to make an impression with your fashion style.

BURGUNDY AND GOLD OMBRÉ NAILS

Add color to your hands with a stunning ombre gradient, combining strong burgundy and bright yellow. Start by painting a burgundy base coat over the entire nail. Then, using a sponge or nail brush, gently apply the yellow color from the tip of the nail upward, creating a smooth color transition effect. The perfect combination of these two hot colors will create an outstanding appearance, attracting all eyes. This burgundy and yellow ombre nail design is suitable for individual girls who love to be unconventional and want to assert their own style.

BURGUNDY AND GOLD FRENCH TIPS

The classic French manicure is already elegant and luxurious, now enhanced with burgundy and gold accents. Instead of using a traditional nude base, start with a light orange or blush pink to create warmth and freshness. Then, paint the tips of your nails in burgundy, creating an eye-catching highlight. To complete the sophisticated look, add a thin line of gold polish along the edge of the burgundy tip. This gold border will create gentle separation, while bringing elegance and nobility to your hands.

BURGUNDY AND GOLD HALF-MOON NAILS

Elevate your manicure with a touch of sophistication! Achieve a classy and polished look with burgundy and gold half-moon nails. Begin by applying a base coat of gold polish on all your nails. Then, using a nail stencil or a hole reinforcement sticker, create a neat half-moon shape at the base of each nail. Finally, fill in the remaining area with a rich burgundy polish. This elegant design is sure to turn heads!

BURGUNDY AND GOLD CHEVRON NAILS

Experiment with a bold style and turn heads with a combination of burgundy and gold on your nails. Start by painting a burgundy base coat over the entire nail. Then, use tape to shape the chevron as desired. Next, fill in the remaining gaps with yellow nail polish. Remove the tape carefully to reveal the perfect chevron pattern. With outstanding color combinations and unique patterns, this nail style will help you stand out on every occasion.

CELESTIAL BURGUNDY AND GOLD NAILS

Instead of being monotonous with just one burgundy color, elevate your nails by combining them with delicate gold leaf accents. Use burgundy nail polish as a base, then embellish with thin strips of gold leaf or small pieces of gold foil to create intricate motifs or patterns. The contrast between powerful burgundy and sparkling gold will create a luxurious look and attract all eyes.

BURGUNDY AND GOLD FLORAL NAILS

Bring a touch of romance to your hands with this burgundy and gold floral nail design. Start by painting a burgundy base coat on your nails. Then, use a nail brush or dotting tool to create delicate flowers with yellow polish. Finish the look with a coat of clear gloss to protect the design and create a sparkling shine. With a harmonious combination of attractive burgundy and vibrant yellow, this floral nail design will help you attract all eyes. This type of decoration is suitable for special occasions such as parties, festivals or simply when you want to embellish your style.

BURGUNDY AND GOLD MARBLE NAILS

With the combination of powerful burgundy and vibrant yellow, this nail design brings luxurious beauty, attracting all eyes. This type of design is suitable for special occasions or simply when you want to affirm your impressive personal style.

BURGUNDY MATTE NAILS WITH GOLD EMBELLISHMENTS

For a modern and chic manicure, try pairing a matte burgundy with gold embellishments. The combination of matte burgundy and metallic gold creates an impressive contrast that attracts the eye. The matte finish of the nail polish gives it a luxurious and sophisticated feel, while the gold embellishments add sparkle and pop. With this style, you can confidently wear your nails on every occasion, from work, going out to parties.

AURA BURGUNDY AND GOLD NAILS

This manicure features a deep burgundy base, exuding a rich, velvety sophistication. The burgundy serves as a perfect canvas, radiating a sense of luxury and depth. The gold glitter accents add a touch of opulence, catching the light with every movement and creating a dazzling contrast against the dark base. Whether applied as a subtle gradient or a statement accent, the gold glitter adds a refined sparkle, elevating the overall look to a level of understated glamour

BOLD CHUNKY GEMSTONES

This style is completely different from traditional nail styles. Instead of simple colors or gentle patterns, Chunky Gems uses large sparkling stones to create impressive highlights. You can choose different gemstones such as diamond, ruby, sapphire, amethyst… to adorn your nails. Each gemstone has a distinct beauty, creating unique styles.

GILDED GEOMETRIC LINES

Bring modern beauty and elegance to your hands with gold-plated geometric lines. Imagine a delicate combination of burgundy and gold geometric shapes, embellished with sparkling gilding. Perfect proportions and balance in design create a visual symphony, expressing the essence of luxurious modern style. This nail style is suitable for those who love sophistication and originality. With sharp lines and striking colors, you will attract attention wherever you go.

TRENDY TWEED ACCENTS

As the cold days of winter approach, fashion trends gradually change, bringing with them a breath of warmth and luxury. And now, Tweed fabric patterns have crept into Korean nail art, creating a trendy highlight for your fingers. Tweed fabric with delicate interwoven lines, warm colors such as brown, beige, gray,… will become an endless source of inspiration for creative nail technicians. Tweed fabric patterns can be meticulously drawn on the nails, combined with sparkling metal details or covered with glitter, creating a luxurious and attractive beauty.

GLEAMING GOLD CHROME

With the chrome effect, your nails will become a miniature mirror, reflecting shimmering and eye-catching light. The shiny golden chrome coating blends perfectly with the luxurious burgundy base, creating a perfect and attractive overall look. Your every gesture will become more graceful and elegant as sparkling light dances on each finger. The attraction of sparkling gold chrome nails will make you stand out and exude irresistible royal beauty.

BURGUNDY WATERCOLOR HUES

Transform your nails into a mesmerizing work of art with Burgundy watercolor nails. This technique uses soft blends of burgundy and yellow tones, creating an effect of delicate splashes of color, reminiscent of a romantic winter scene painted by a talented artist. The harmonious combination of passionate burgundy and warm yellow brings a beauty that is both luxurious, seductive, dreamy and gentle. This style is especially suitable for those who love romance, flight and want to express their artistic personality.

THE SECRET TO PERFECT BURGUNDY AND GOLD NAILS

To get the perfect set of nails with a luxurious modern style as suggested above, you need to keep in mind the following points:

CHOOSE A SUITABLE METALLIC GOLD COLOR

White skin: You should choose metallic gold, lemon yellow or copper gold to flatter your skin.

Medium skin: Suitable for many gold tones such as gold, bronze, neon gold.

Dark skin: You should choose metallic gold, copper gold or brown gold to create harmony.

USING GLOSS PAINT

The gloss coat will help protect the paint color and decorative details, keeping your nails beautiful and durable for longer. You should choose a good quality gloss paint to ensure shine and adhesion.

CHANGE STYLE AND DECORATIVE POSITION

You can be creative with different designs and decorative positions to create a highlight for your nails. Some suggestions:

Studs: Use studs to accentuate the tip of your nail or draw a nail border.

Beads: Use pearls, beads or sequins to accentuate one or two fingers.

Decals: Use gold decals with different patterns to create a highlight for your nails.

ACCESSORY COMBINATIONS

To complete the style, you can combine accessories such as rings and bracelets with metallic gold tones.

CONCLUSION

This article has suggested for you the 16 most beautiful nail designs with this unique color combination. Hope these designs will inspire you and give you more ideas for your next nail set. Confidently choose your favorite burgundy and gold colors, combined with decorative details such as rivets, beads, decals,… to create a unique style. Don’t forget to share these beautiful nail designs with your friends and beauty lovers!