Look Like A Pin Up Girl: Makeup Tips

I have been interested in pin up art and pin up photography for quite some time now. About five years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to this particular genre of art and I've been enamored ever since. I adore the classic pin up style so much in fact that I've incorporated some aspects into my own style. Especially when it comes to makeup, I embrace the classic pin up "look." Achieving this style is actually very simple. If you would like to give it a try, here are some tips right out of my very own makeup bag.

Step 1: You must start off with a clean canvas. And by clean, I mean exfoliate and then moisturize. If you want that oh so supple skin, characteristic of every pin up, do not skip these steps, ever. I recommend using a light exfoliant, such as the one in L'Oreal's Go-Clean line and moisturizing with Olay Complete, with SPF 15, which will keep your skin oh so supple for years to come.

Step 2 of Step 1: Now, classic pin ups such as Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page were widely admired for their natural beauty (among other physical attributes). Do not cake on the foundation. Not only is it terrible for your pores, heavy face makeup takes away from your "natural" beauty. I'm not saying go bare, just use something light. I suggest Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation. It goes on like foundation, dries like powder. It's very lightweight and won't clog your pores. You will need to purchase some makeup sponges.

The REAL Step 2: Okay, so now that you have a thin layer of foundation, lets try to achieve that "come hither stare." You will be amazed at the simplicity of this. Apply a matte color, such as MAC eye shadow in Omega, from lash line to crease. I would recommend to keep the color in the light taupe or beige matte family, but a little shimmer would be okay, but just a little.

Step 3: Now, with a black liner, could be pencil or liquid, line your top lid. When you get to the outter corners of your eyes, gradually extend your pencil a couple/few centimeters upward (depending on your eyes/face). The goal here is subtle "cat eyes," not "Liz Taylor in Cleopatra, cat eyes." This slight lifted extension of the pencil is characteristically pin up.

Step 4: Lashes. Please no falsies, but if you must, I won't tell. For extra volume and length, I recommend Cover Girl lastblastfusion (purple tube), in BLACK or VERY BLACK. The goal is bold, flirty lashes.

Depending on your personality, this eye makeup style will either read: mysterious or playful.

Step 5: Classic pin ups were healthy looking girls, unlike the stick figures we see in the media today. In order to bring that healthy glow to your face, you'll need to dust on some blush to the apples of your cheeks. I personally use Cover Girl Classic Color Blush in soft mink and I recommend investing in a MAC blush brush (the best).

Step 6: I have three words for you. Bold. Luscious. Lips. Wait, one more word. Red. I promise, there is a red lipstick out there that suits you. You just have to look! Reds are tricky. It would be advantageous for most to stay away from bright red, due to its potential to look clownish or your potential to look clownish, however you want to look at it. I personally love Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick. It goes on very smooth, doesn't dry out like other lipsticks, and call me poetic, but feels like fresh dew on your lips. You may have to reapply, but it's worth it. A dab of sheer gloss, a dab, and you're set.

I hope my recommendations and steps were helpful. This style isn't for the shy of heart. You will definitely be noticed. Apply with caution!