Rag Trade Sisters : Lets Makeup

Just a few awesome examples of Halloween makeup!

It may be a bit of a stretch, but I am going to use the advent of Halloween to do a post about makeup. I mean, some people end up doing some crazy-amazing things with makeup for their costumes. But aside from all that, I am going to choose to stick with the fashion, accessory side of makeup.

I'm not sure if this is more Egyptian or 60's, but either way, it's awesome!

Queen Elizabeth took makeup to a whole new level.

I love the powdered face and rosy cheeks!

I am sure makeup goes back as far as the cave woman (because it's such a necessity, in my opinion), but the Egyptians come to mind when I think about early, awesome makeup. The point is, women have been wearing it for thousands of years. It has changed and evolved to what is now a massive and thriving industry.

To me, the 20's and 30's was an great period for makeup. Clara Bow really epitomized the flapper look with the heavy eyeliner and pouty lips.

A great early picture of Joan Crawford applying heavy lipstick.

I always think of the 20's as being synonymous with the compact.

My Mother grew up with Tangee lipstick (which is surprisingly still sold today).

Look at those penciled eyebrows and that beauty mark! Jean Harlow could really rock this look!

More penciled eyebrows and I love the smokey eyes!

Myrna Loy looking very sultry in her smokey makeup.

I must say that I get very frustrated and sad when I hear people talking trash about makeup. Many claim that it belittles women, that women use makeup only because society (or men) expect them to. For me, makeup is a form of self-expression. I dabble in art and I can honestly say that playing with colors and textures with my makeup is not too different than playing with oil paints on a pallet or on canvas. Yes, I want people to think I look good, but the person I put makeup on for is mostly me, myself and I. It makes me feel powerful and confident.