Fashion is a cycle, what was once a trend in the past may become the next big thing. This summer, colorful makeup trends are dominating, but not everyone can pull off all colors on their face. Going back to basics, a nostalgic and vintage makeup look might be your way out this summer!
Nostalgic retro makeup doesn’t have to be strong shadow contours or colorful eye makeup. A simple and elegant brown-toned makeup look is also a timeless classic.
Louis Vuitton Resort 2020 Collection
Nostalgic retro style occasionally appears on the fashion stage with a high profile. At the Louis Vuitton 2020 early spring collection launch event held at the TWA Flight Center at Kennedy Airport in New York earlier this month, designer Nicolas Ghesquièr presented a series of avant-garde and futuristic new designs. However, in terms of makeup, he took a different approach by choosing the most popular and colorful disco style makeup from the 80s. When nostalgia and futurism collide, the resulting discordance surprisingly brings a conflicting impact.
Alberto Zambelli, Ryan LO both from SS19
Louis Vuitton, apart from that, there are other retro representatives on the 2019 spring/summer fashion show. Alberto Zambelli and Ryan LO both embrace a nostalgic atmosphere in makeup and hairstyles. The former takes inspiration from the disco style makeup, but replaces the eye-catching peach blush and thick black eyeliner with soft brown tones, while Ryan LO uses the popular 60s mob bob hairstyle to bring a different sense of nostalgia beyond makeup.
Max Mara SS19
Retro doesn’t necessarily mean applying a specific style, as seen in the Max Mara SS19 show, where their signature brown hues were used in a nostalgic way. Bold and defined eyebrows, glossy textures instead of shimmering eyeshadows, paired with a subtle pink lip color and matching headscarf, create a timeless retro vibe.
Dior Backstage Eye Palette #003 $440; shu uemura x maison kitsuné Camo Eyeshadow Palette $500
To create a stylish and durable retro makeup look, you might as well refer to Max Mara’s demonstration. Choose a commonly used brown eyeshadow palette with multiple different color layers, using a common brown eyeshadow to color the entire eyelid. Excessive shimmer in eye makeup will affect the contour of your eyes. If you want to enhance depth, you can use different shades to create a three-dimensional effect.
Dolce & Gabbana Blush Touch #Candy2 $325; NARS Liquid Highlighter $310
Vintage makeup places a strong emphasis on contouring shadows and blush application. If you’re not used to applying heavy shadow powder, you can start with blush instead. To make the blush effect more noticeable, you should choose a highly pigmented blush cream or liquid. In addition to traditional powder blush, many brands have also introduced blush creams this season. If you prefer a matte finish, you can choose the blush pen from Dolce & Gabbana, which comes with a brush head; while if you like a glossy look, you can choose the peach-colored highlighter from the NARS Orgasm series, giving your skin a subtle pink glow.
CHANEL Rouge Coco Flash #74 $290; Shiseido Makeup Color Gel Lip Balm #112 $230
To create a more harmonious and durable overall makeup look, the choice of lip color needs to be more balanced. Light orange pairs best with brown-toned eye makeup, without the cute girly feel of pink lips or the intense femininity of bright red lips, but rather a friendly feeling. Light orange also brightens the complexion, balancing out the overall brown-toned makeup’s dullness.
