Lipstick and Curls: 1950’s Bridal Hair and Make up Styling

At Lipstick and Curls we pride ourselves on working with our clients to provide a service that is tailored to suit their event and individual requirements and we understand that no bride is the same.

There are so many amazing 1950’s gowns. I think vintage hair and make up styling is essential to complete the look and compliment the gown. I have been specialising in looks from the 1950’s and work very closely with brides to recreate this chosen look. We offer a wide range of services that would appeal to the vintage devote or just someone wanting a taster and adding 1950’s feel to their hair and make up style.

I love working with brides on their wedding image and I honestly don’t think I have done the same look twice! It is really exciting and rewarding to see the bride on the day and I feel proud of what we have achieved together. 

Here are some of my top tips for 1950’s styling ….

Red lipstick is a wonderfully simple way of adding a little bit of 50’s glamour into you beauty regime and looks so great against an ivory/white gown. On your wedding day you will need a lip product that is going to stay, most companies now have a ‘stay fast’ lippy that is designed not to come off for several hours, and some of them are very good. My advice is to make use of the ‘try before you buy’ invitation from most make up companies, this way you can see if the product does what it is supposed to do. Always choose a matt or semi matt lipstick, this of course is less greasy and less likely to move and slip around on the lips making it longer lasting. Try a few products on the back of your hand, you will soon see which product is more matt, it will also be the one that is denser in colour.

A strong groomed brow is another signature style of the 1950’s and will enhance your facial shape and look great in pictures. My advice is to seek professional help 8 weeks prior to the wedding date so you can develop or repair your shape. Always choose a vintage style that suits your face and work with your natural bone structure. Make use of the fantastic brow products and tools on the market to complete the look.

The 1950’s classic lined eye is a great clean look that will define and brighten your eyes again this looks superb in pictures and suits most eye shapes. Use a waterproof liner! A popular and well-loved product of vintage styling is the black eyeliner, however if you loose this by smudging, sweating or even crying (tears of joy of course!) you can dramatically change the look. If you are working with a stylist insist that they use a waterproof product.

False Eyelashes can help give a 1950’s, almond eye shape and can be great additions to a vintage style however try them out before hand to see weather they are comfortable and you are happy with the results. I always use semi permanent glue so I am 100% confident they will stay where I put them. Also using individual lashes will be more comfortable and give a more classic effect.

Finally and most importantly is the hairstyle, the 1950’s gave us some beautiful classic hairstyles that lend themselves beautifully to bridal styling. Whether you want a wave and set or an updo this is an area you can really make your style shine and stand out. Choosing a vintage hairstyle for your wedding day and to complement your dress is crucial. If you are working with a stylist on this bring as much visual information as possible to the trial. At Lipstick and Curls we always encourage a bridal one to one prior to the day. Have a strong idea of what you wish to create but be flexible as the stylist will work with your natural features and will create a version of the style.

Feeling happy and confident with your vintage hair and make up styling is key to your happiness on the day and as important as the dress in my opinion. Stay in control and only choose a look you are 100% happy with. Always try the style and if possible wear the style before the day to see how you feel. If your not comfortable you must keep making changes until you are.

Amanda x (Lipstick and Curls)