This week, we honor classic Hollywood beauty, Veronica Lake as our Thursday Throwback.
Considered one of the most beautiful women to have ever graced the silver screen, Veronica Lake was a very popular American movie star during the 1940's. Known for her signature 'peek-a-boo' hairstyle, Lake embodied a sultry vixen style that captivated audiences and made her a beloved pinup girl of her era. While her career was all too short, her beauty, classic hair, and makeup looks have lived on, influencing women for decades long after Lake's last performance.
An actress during the mid 20th century, Lake embodied the soft, yet glamorous beauty that made stars iconic. Flawless skin, a light flush on the cheeks for a rosy glow, defined arched brows, and knock -me dead red lips were the style of the day. Shades ran the gambit from bright reds, cherry hues, pinkish reds, and orangey reds. The introduction of a wide variety of red lip colors by Max Factor allowed women to cultivate their own signature style within this trend, and Lake did just that. Her hair and makeup was truly her own, but you too can achieve this fabulously timeless look and here's how.
The key to any 1940's makeup is a great base. Ensure skin is cleansed and prepped with a hydrating moisturizer before you begin your look. A smooth matte base is key to achieving the dewy, airbrushed look of Ms. Lake. Choose your foundation, and then apply a loose powder, opting for the most matte finish. Keep your rouge or blush light, softly accenting cheekbones. Eyeshadows should remain in the neutral palette. Choose vanillas, creams, and light peaches. Arch brows and define them with a brow pencil that matches your complexion and brow color. For eyeliner, sweep in an upward motion but be sure not to extend it too far out. Complete the eye look with a few coats of mascara and go bold with red lips to match your red nails.
Now for the peek-a-boo hair. Start with a deep side part and then give hair a good blowout for a solid good base. Using a one-inch curling iron, begin to curl hair in small, even sections and all in the same direction. Spray with a firm holding hairspray and begin to gently brush or comb through curls to bring them together and loosen them. A deep side part will definitely help to let hair gently fall over part of your face in classic Lake style.
Looking for additional tips? Check out the great hair and makeup tutorial below to see how to best achieve Lake's flawless makeup and classic Jessica Rabbit hairstyle. What do you think of Lake's classic look? Will you be trying to achieve this amazing 1940's glam? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.