Re-Creating a 1920's Look... with Make-Up!

Photo of 1920's Women (1928), Glamordaze.com http://glamourdaze.com/2013/09/1920s-fashion-autumn-wardrobe-and-beauty-makeover-1928.html

Recently, I started an additional side gig, as an Actress with the Murder Mystery Company, San Jose Troupe. (Currently, I am working three jobs: Fashion Designer for my own label, a Tailor Assistant & Apprentice with Oxford Way Tailoring & Men's Clothing, in Oakland, and now an actress... yes, I am always on the go, and rarely have a break from being so busy).

​Starting a job as an actress, where I could play several different roles, I am required to start building up a Make-Up Kit for my costume preparation, and performances.

I am no Make-Up Artist. Although I am very much into fashion, Make-Up is something I know little about. Like many women, I do wear Make-Up, but little more than foundation and eye liner, purchased from the local drug store, on most days.

When growing up, my Mom was never much into Make-Up. She would wear mascara, and maybe lip stick, but that was all. She never taught me how to apply Make-Up, so I only dabbled in foundation to help cover my acne. Back then, Oil-Free Make-Up wasn't common place, and I found myself breaking out even more!

During my junior year of high school, I discovered eye shadow. I went alittle crazy with my application, thinking it was very artsy to blend two colors that would match my outfit. My Dad hated it, and eventually restricted my eye shadow use all together.

As I grew into womanhood, I didn't wear any Make-Up at all, finding my face had a clearer complection, and guys seemed to dig the "natural beauty" look. But as I grew into my late 20's and then 30's, I began to feel that a light application of foundation definitely helped my appearance, by evening the color of my skin tone.

Jewl-Rite Plastics 1947 http://1950sunlimited.tumblr.com

Now, as I continually prepare for fashion shows, I wish I knew more about Make-Up, and even hair styling, since often times these services are not extended to designers for events. On some occasions, such as photo shoots, models may have to style their own hair and Make-Up. I find myself wishing I could assist more in this area. And, now... I will be creating various personas through Make-Up and Costume as a Murder Mystery Company Actress! 

My first role for the Murder Mystery Company, was playing a character by the name of Amanda Lay in the Crime and Punishment production. This particular script is not based on the classic novel, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (great book by the way), but is a completely different twisted tale, set in a 1920's Speakeasy Lounge. The character, Amanda Lay, is a seductive jazz singer.
 
To create an unforgettable Amanda Lay, I first consulted tutorials on trusty 'ol YouTube. I learned that the characteristics of 1920's Make-Up include: minimal brow arch, sad round eyes, exaggerated red Cupid's Bow lips, porcelain matte skin, and red blush. 

Next, I visited the web-site of Modesto Native Make-Up Artist, Paula Serrano. Mrs. Serrano and I met several years ago through her friend, who happens to be my sister, Desiree. We collaborated previously to create a Parrot Costume look for a mutual client: I designed and created the costume, while Mrs. Serrano created the Make Up Look, and provided the Make-Up Artistry services.
To see my Parrot Costume, from concept to creation, click HERE.                                                                          

Mrs. Serrano is not only a local MUA, but also has created her own Make-Up brand, called Paula Serrano Make-Up. Her web-site, www.paulaserranomakeup.com, offers beautiful shades of Lip Sticks, Lip Lacquer, Lip Gloss, Eye Shadow, Highlighting Sugars, and Contour Powders. 

I placed my Make-Up order, but I realized it might not arrive in time for my first show. Since I was anxious to practice my 1920's look before my performance, to guarantee it would look excellent on show night, I made a run to my local Sally Beauty Supply, and purchased a few items. I figured if I had any issues completing the look, I would have time to get it just right. I also began to look up YouTube tutorials, as well as pictures on Pinterest, illustrating Long Hair Styles for the 1920's woman.

​Most people, myself included, envision short flapper hairstyles with lots of finger waves when imagining the 1920's woman. However, at present, my hair is super long. Surly, many women also had long hair styles in the 1920's, didn't they?

I found it difficult to style my own hair by myself, so I breaded my hair and coiled it into a loose bun, and than accessorized the look with a darling feather headband that my friend, Ms. Angela Neves, had made.

https://www.pinterest.com/ashby0061/1920s-time-line

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-history-of-the-flapper-part-4-emboldened-by-the-bob

As I began to apply my make up, listening to Fergie's "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody" from the Great Gatsby (2013) Soundtrack, my face began to transform into one of that from a different era...

I used my own mascara, foundation, and an eyebrow pencil that I found in an old cigar box, which I currently use as my personal Make-Up Kit. I also purchased a set of non-expensive Make-Up Brushes from Target. ​

Here I am bare faced, prior to applying any Make-Up.

Make-Up is almost done, and I am already feeling like a 1920's dame!

After applying my 1920's inspired Make-Up, I tied my hair back in a braided bun, with a feather headband hairpiece. I mastered this "Quizzical Expression" long ago...

Soon, my Paula Serrano Make-Up arrived! Based on the information I learned from the YouTube tutorial above, I ordered her Madre Matte Liquid Lipstick, Doe Eyes Eyeshadow, and Leather and Lace Eyeshadow. 

www.paulaserranomakeup.com

Here is the same 1920's inspired look, but this time using the Make-Up I had ordered from Paula Serrano Make-Up: 

My 1920's look using Paula Serrano Make-Up (Madre Matte Liquid Lipstick, Doe Eyes Eyeshadow, and Leather and Lace Eyeshadow) www.paulaserranomakeup.com

In addition to mastering 1920's Make-Up techniques, I also had a script to memorize, and 1920's slang to familiarize myself with in preparation for my performance as Amanda Lay. I read my lines over and over until I had them seared into my memory. I also had to practice my singing, since my role includes the singing performance of two songs...after all, "Amanda" is a Jazz Singer... did I mention that I am not that great of a singer?

Now, take a moment to enjoy this song straight from 1928, by Helen Kane!

I've also included a brief list of 1920's Slang for your enjoyment!

Before long, the day of my first performance arrived! I fixed up my hair and Make-Up earlier that afternoon, since I wanted to take my time applying my Make-Up, and I was still unsure of what type of preshow set-up I would be required to assist in once myself and a fellow actor arrived on location at the Private Party we would be performing at. I then made my way to the Murder Mystery Company Headquarters in San Jose, to meet up with my workmate, and to pick up my costume!

Prior to the show, I picked up "Amanda's" Red Fringe dress from the Murder Mystery Company Headquarters in San Jose, California.

Now, off to the Murder Mystery Show!

I hope you enjoyed my experience re-creating a 1920's look, with Make-up, for my Murder Mystery performance! If you would like to know more details about the Murder Mystery Show itself, join us for an upcoming show! Check out the web-site www.grimprov.com to purchase your Murder Mystery tickets to one of our Public Shows, or to book a Private Murder Mystery Event!

Be sure to follow my Blog for more era-replicated Make-Up looks, and upcoming fashion events!

"Have a Killer Day!"

Related Links: 

Parrot Couture

A Photo Journey... My College Career as a Fashion Design Student

The Year I Worked as a Construction Worker...