There once was a time when no woman would leave the house without her "face on" - meaning, if nothing else, she'd apply lipstick.

In the 1950s, post-war beauty meant the iconic makeup bullet was in its prime, as non-smear lipstick launched, and a preference for a vibrant, pinky-red took hold. Models began sharing the pages of fashion magazines with glamorous starlets, and door-to-door makeup sales brought glamour directly to women's doorsteps.

The bright lip has enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in recent years. Thanks to a range of formulations, we can now enjoy lip stains, lip crayons and long-wear lipsticks in both glossy and matte textures.


Pout From the Past

To recreate the 1950s lip, look for a traditional lipstick with lots of pigment and just a bit of sheen. Start by precisely outlining the lips with a lip pencil like L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Always Red, with careful attention to the cupid's bow. Then, carefully trace both the upper and lower lips with lipstick. Although the traditional application is from the stick to the lips, you might get a more exact outline by using a brush, like Maybelline Expert Tools Lip Brush. Recreate the 1950s pink-red lip with traditional lipstick bullets like NYX Cosmetics Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Fire or Lancôme Paris L'Absolu Rouge in Rose Lancôme.

Why do you love the 1950s lip? Tell us in the comments below!

Photo: Shutterstock