#pinup tips

[vonteasevintage]

The Icon Ahead of Her Time: The Secret Behind Marilyn's Infamous Look

(Photo credit to Harpers Bazaar)

For such a clean, crisp look that pinup icons are notorious for, it's not as simple as it appears. Marilyn Monroe's main makeup artist, Allan 'Whitey' Snider, came up with some of the best tips to create the iconic look Marilyn is known for. A look that would pave the way for the go-to for pinup basics for makeup.

In this post, discover some of Marilyn's hacks on how to create this natural yet glamourous look.

Laying down the foundation for any makeup application is important. Starting with where it begins...the skin.

In today's society people are obsessed with dermaplaning; removing the peach fuzz due to aesthetic reasons for makeup. Marilyn on the other hand embraced the effect that the peach fuzz could do for her on camera and with her makeup. She could see that the tiny hairs actually created a blurring effect, which created a glow of sorts when underneath harsh studio lighting - no blurring makeup products needed!

We also know how vital it is to hydrate the skin when prepping the skin for makeup application. Did you know that Marilyn used Vaseline primarily under her makeup to keep moisturized and like a primer, as well as using it to create a highlight on her cheeks, as well as after applying her eye makeup? If you have a bit of oily skin trouble, this may not be the best thing to do , and there are products to achieve the same desired results, but this was what she used that worked for her.

This leads us to the eyes.

Marilyn would use white cream from her eyelid to her brow bone for every look she would do. In pinup, white is often used to open the eye to create the big, open eye look iconic to pinups.

That being said, not only was white used for colour and highlight on the lid and brow bone area, but it was used as eyeliner on the bottom water line!

Another incoming fact about Marilyn's methods...she didn't use just one shade of eyeliner...she used three! For the main wing on her lid, she used classic black eyeliner which is typical for creating that winged stroke of wonder. But she also used a brown to create that light, what appears to be a drop shadow casted by her eyelashes. This was an illusion she used to make the eyelashes look emphasized, by making the viewer believe they were the culprits for creating that dropshadow. Nay, that was the art of eyeliner. The third of course, being the white eyeliner as mentioned previously on the lower waterline to open the eye.

That technique being used , added with the right set of falsies nowadays would be a deadly combo. Speaking of false eyelashes...

Many make the mistake of going balls to the wall when picking out false lashes to wear. The idea you should go for - besides avoiding doing eyelid pushups - is a more natural glamourous look. So, nothing too dramatic. What Marilyn would do to keep the natural appearance to the lashes, is that she would actually cut the lashes in half and apply them only to the outer part of the upper lid. Think about it... when we do our winged liner, we are creating the illusion of that part of the eye being elongated and emphasized. That being said, the placement of the lashes only being placed on that part of the eye makes complete sense.

Well now, thinking about how fabulous one will appear with that handy-dandy trick makes one want to blush...

Did you know that Marilyn used blush as a means to contour her face? We don't normally contour our face in the modern sense of the term since it creates too harsh of lines, but she used it sparingly on her cheeks and a smidge to the tip of her nose. This created a more natural appearance as well a hint of warmth. To top it off, she did use a finishing powder to add a bit of glow to her appearance.

Now, for the part that is another infamous pinup staple: The iconic red lip.

Marilyn's red lip was achieved using a multi stage process.

Beginning first with creating the perfectly crisp lining, Marilyn would use a lip brush to line her lips. This can be done either with brush or with a lip pencil. Regardless, make sure either method contains a fine, sharp tip for precision.

For the fill, she would actually do a form of lip contouring. You know that thing we were blown away by a few years ago and some companies made double ended products to create a lip ombre / contour? Marilyn did it first. Sorry y'all, the 50's was the birthplace of that technique. Marilyn would use darker shades of red towards the outer part of the lips, and use lighter towards the middle. This created the contoured/ombre effect. To top it off, she would then put a very little bit of white in the middle on the bottom lip to create a highlighted effect, and a clear coat of gloss over top of her lips to create that sparkling, glossy effect. Albeit in pinup, we normally use matte lipstick and try to avoid using shimmery shades as well as shiny glosses. For Marilyn, though? She made it work and was absolutely glamorous doing so.

If you've survived this far in reading, I commend you and I hope you enjoyed reading this little tidbit of information behind what went on to achieve such an iconic look.

xo Bree Von Tease

[vintagelivingbydaisyb]

Hello lovelies, I have been working on this post for a little over a month now trying to find any and all information I can on the topic of accessorizing with gloves.

What was once as common as a handbag, has now become arguably non-existent in the last thirty years. I, for one, find that what really draws a vintage ensemble together , or pushes it over the top is the accessorizing of coordinating gloves. The question then arises, how does one wear them - or better yet, how did a lady once wear them? What were the stylistic rules and expectations when a lady stepped out in public?

Compared to other vintage stylistic rules, learning about glove etiquette of the 1920’s - the 1960’s (even a little into the 1980’s) is spotty at best with blurry images of guides posted online or quick brief “wear this not that”, in the styling books in my collection. However, I think with the below information I provide down below, I think we can safely accessorize our ensembles without being a fashion miss-step of our desired era.

Types of Gloves:

Shorties - can be worn with taffeta evening dresses, short dinner dresses, a suit, two-piece woolens, prints & cottons. Typically in neutral colors or in a coordinating color as this style is normally for street, daytime & informal occasions.

Leather - can be worn with tweed, flannel suits, wooly dresses, bulky coats, fur coats, riding or driving. Think cooler weather, or fall styling. These would typically be in neutral black or browns to coordinate with the typical coloring of cooler weather ensembles.

Doeskin’s - best worn for dress-up dates or tea. Typically worn with black crepe, a dress maker’s suit, fur coats/jackets, pretty prints.

Silky Gloves - best worn with summer sheers, slinky dresses, Southern-Belle style organdy, dressy afternoon frocks, bridesmaid’s dresses.

Cotton - This is the most common as aside from formal occasion can be worn with almost all styling & colors. Examples: summery cottons or liens, spring suits/prints or coats, fall coats & suiting, rainy day attire. (Most common to find that are true vintage these days)

Long Length - can be worn with short-sleeved afternoon dresses, dress maker’s suits, slinky evening dresses, & summer liens. These are usually the length reserved for formal or special occasions.

Etiquette:

Styling Advice:

A Final Word:

I hope this helps you accessorize your vintage wardrobe with confidence! Vintage gloves was one of the first pieces of vintage clothing I started collecting as they are typically found in a large amount and for a very reasonable price. I also find they can take an ensemble made up of more modern, vintage-styled pieces & really add that POP to make it feel more authentic!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Until next time dearies,

Daisy B.

[vonteasevintage]

Who's That Girl? : Uncovering Your Inner Bombshell Name

What is exactly in a name?

A name reflects upon our personality and gives a glimpse into your persona.

Have you ever tried picturing yourself with a different name? Sometimes the other idea(s) seem to fit more with your personality , and sometimes you realize your name fits you to a T.

This is kinda the same thing.

When on the hunt for the name that is the perfect fit, there are a few things on the 'ideal name' checklist.

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

Does it roll off the tongue well?

Honestly. This may seem weird, but it's almost a psychological thing.

Having a name that flows together nicely when the MC pronounces it can make an impact on your initial introduction. If it's too difficult to say, or has any abrupt points that makes the speaker hit a road bump - and sometimes can mess up your name.... awkward - that can leave an uncomfortable first impression for all.

2. Does it seem like it could be an iconic name in lights?

I mean, we all want to see our name in lights on the big stage. We want to be that Bettie Page to someone up 'n' coming. But...is our name memorable? Is it something that will intrigue the viewer when they see it in text, or hear it being announced? Can you see it as a brand? Something I was told when studying the performing arts is that the moment we step into public, and the image we portray upon first glance, we are actually portraying a brand for ourselves.

Branding is important in the performing arts. (Disclaimer: I will be making an article on how to promote yourself as a brand at some point.). We all want to be iconic, and this is an important percentage of the whole picture. What does your personality and the image you portray tell others about who you are?

3. Is it creative?

Some people choose to keep a part of their normal name in their stage name, and that works splendid in combining your daily life in with the glamourous life of pinup. It makes your dream feel and become a reality. Would I use my full legal name? Not exactly. That would be very long and a bit much.

When coming up with a name, you wanna have that little razzle dazzle. You want to be you times ten. Is there a fun play on your name that you can do? Let's use my first name 'Bree' for example.

We normally preface our name with a 'Miss' when being introduced on stage. So now we have a 'Miss Bree' that will be said by the MC. Alrighty, so far so good. Now we need something to match my pinup personality. From the articles you probably can pick up that I can be a ball full of sass with a tongue-in-cheek kind of energy mixed with a bit of sweetness, so let's see what we can do to play with that a bit. Let's go with 'Miss RazzBree' (Get it? A play on of the word 'raspberry'... but if said in an accent?).

Now we're cookin' with fire!

'Miss RazzBree' is too staccato on the tongue. It makes one come to an abrupt halt and anticipate something to follow . So let's add on to it!

Most pinup names you will find have a fancy flair to it. This flair can provide that sensual feminine edge in either a subtle or full tilt way, depending on your personality.

'Miss RazzBree De-Lite'.

Let's check our 1-2-3's to see if this checks off the points!

Does it roll off the tongue well? Check! There's no awkward staccato of the name when being said out loud and rolls off the tongue well.

Does it seem like an iconic name in lights? Check! It's different and captures the attention of the viewer. Sometimes one has to play with how it is written to make it visually appealing. Just play around with the presentation of the name and how it fits together.

Is it creative? Check! It's definitely not your run of the mill name that you would find on a birth certificate.

We also have the elements of being sweet and sassy, as well as being creative. This name can also be played around with visually for branding.

Hopefully this helps you when trying to find out what to put on your pinup persona birth certificate and ready to hit the stage!

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

xo Bree Von Tease

[vonteasevintage]

Eyes Sharp Like a Hawk: How I Get the Perfect Wings Using 'The Marilyn Method'

I see you.

Yes, you!

Getting ready to throw that eyeliner across the room as you notice one wing is more of a cousin than a twin to the other.

I also hear you. I hear your frustration.

Creating the perfect winged eye can seem like you are a scientist who has found the greatest discovery. Technically, you are in this case. It's all about the components that make up that prized formula that works for you.

A few years ago I had that moment of discovery hit, and I felt like it would be Nobel Prize worthy. But, it's not THAT kind of discovery. Hopefully this method I'm about to share with you works just as well and provides that Olympic gold medal win for your eyes!

What you'll need (primer/skincare/bob's your uncle, etc not included):

Black liquid liner (Make sure it is fine point! I'm personally a fan of waterproof, because....eyes and allergies love to play games when my eyeliner is on point. For this I would recommend NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner or Revolution Renaissance Waterproof Eyeliner. These two I always carry in my arsenal).

Brown pencil liner (Make sure that point is as sharp as your mind!)

White pencil liner (Also, sharp!)

Now we have the tools of the trade, let's dig in!

If you read my previous blog entry on Marilyn's beauty secrets she used to create her iconic look, you will be familiar a bit with the technique being used here.

After you do all of your skincare, priming, and eye shadow, you will be heading into the unchartered waters of the winged eyeliner. You may hear the vulture's call as you venture into this dreaded, desolate land.

But, it doesn't have to be scary. You got the finest tools to make your way through the desert to the watering hole.

We're first going to lay out the road map, as I like to call it.

Take your trusty brown pencil liner in hand and take a look into your soul in the mirror. Keep loving eye contact. ( I kid, I kid. But please, be nice to yourself during this process.) Take a deep breath. After an exhale will actually help you have optimal precision with creating the precise strokes that are needed.

First line we are going to create is the 'downcasting shadow' line. This line will give the illusion that your eyelashes are majestic wings of an angel getting ready to make any person in your path fall to their knees in worship. Yes, that good. To create that, we are going to use our own eye as the guideline. Our top lid in particular for this step. You notice how at the very end of our top lid it kind of goes down some? You're going to create a faint, gentle flick of a stroke to make it look like it is extended some. This will be one part of the 'V' our liner will make when all is said and done. Repeat with the other eye.

Note: when we do our liner - it is an extension of the natural movement of the eye itself. We are not creating a curve to make the wing look like it's lifting. Trust the process. Your body knows what's up.

Next is the part that everyone dreads: The uptown (Upper lid) twins.

You know the faint downcast lines we made with the brown pencil liner? Also the tip mentioned above how we use our natural eye to create the guide line to follow when pulling a line? We're going to do that again! This time we will be using the corner of our lower lash line and extending that. To measure how far my wing will extend outwards, I like to use the winged tip of my eyebrow.

Remember, breathe out then proceed for optimal precision. (I see you holding your breath. This won't be painful. Promise.)

This part comes to personal preference. If you are comfy with using the waterproof eyeliner straight from the get-go : YOU GO, GLEN COCO! Seriously. Your confidence is admirable and I wish we could bottle it up and sell it in stores. In a later post I will be teaching about the key to confidence and how you too can obtain it. But, that is later. Right now we are trying to slay a double headed dragon. BACK to the lesson at hand.. if you are comfortable to use the liquid liner - do it! If not, no shame in that - pick up the brown eye liner and use that to create the guide line before applying the liquid liner.

Friendly Makeup Bag Must-Have: Get yourself an 'Original Makeup Eraser' double sided cloth. I got some from my fiancé for Christmas, and that thing has the ability to remove waterproof eyeliner by just adding water to the cloth! The other side is an exfoliator. There are two sides to this awesome microfibre-esque sorcery.

Now that we have completed that little side quest , we will head back to creating the shape.

Use the bottom water line of your eye to draw/pull out that line. Simple extension of your natural eye line. Use your eyebrow winged tips to determine how long you want this line extended to (and that it is even). Phewf! First line done! See? Not so bad! You will notice that the line kind of creates a 'V' shape with your downcast line from earlier as well.

Now.. Yeah sure we want that wing to be sharp and like a flick, so to speak. But we don't want it to be just that simple line. This is where a lot go wrong and are mad when it doesn't seem right in photos or under the lights on stage. With intense lighting at events, outside at a car show, or doing photoshoots, your makeup will often times be put on blast. By that I mean it won't look as intense as you thought it looked in the mirror when getting ready. Tattoo logic: Bold will hold. That being said, the next step is another form of personal preference in regards to your approach:

If you prefer to be a mathematician of sorts (I told you this is a scientist kind of ordeal!) , you are going to be creating an itsy bitsy scalene triangle off of your line you just made. This will make the line a tad bit bolder and will make a segway for the next line that will be done on our lid. That lid you will start sort of mid eye lid (Once again, your eye has a natural shape/line of its own for you to follow). You notice how the top lid arches a bit? Follow the shape of the eye in that direction, and link that with the scalene triangle you just made, so your wing becomes one!

If you are a risktaker (just like with going balls to the wall with using liquid liner off the bat!) You will simply start at the mid of the lid and follow that shape to connect to your wing, following the natural line/shape of the eye as described above.

Holy smokes! You slayed the dragon! Even if they don't look like twins the first try (practice, practice, practice!) at least they are sisters now! Hell.. I'm proud of you, young Padawan.

We aren't fully in the clear yet with this lesson, so save the victory dance until after this last step!

As mentioned time and time again, pinup is all about creating those big, open eyes! How do we achieve this? Time to bring out the last tool in your tool kit for this lesson : The white eyeliner!

Placement is key for the 'highlight'.

You are going to line your waterline with the white eyeliner. Then you are going to line the inside of your 'V' shape (including going the length of the underside of your top wing). This helps make everything look more crisp and clean as well. (Crisp and clean = Krispy Kreme. That's how my inner narrative voice read that.)

Now....we victory dance!

Have I mentioned how PROUD I am of you for taking the leap of faith and giving this a go? As with anything, there's personal tweaks one will make when fixing it up to make it more them. I encourage this greatly. In the end, it is all about finding the flow that works for you!

Pinup is all about finding that unique thing that makes you - YOU.

There's only one of you. Embrace that, you warrior goddess.

xo Bree Von Tease

[vintagelivingbydaisyb]

Vintage Living Tip No. 14: Creative Perfume Placements

[velvetandstitches-blog]

Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started In Pinup

Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started In Pinup

Things I wish I’d known when I started exploring pin up style, and the vintage community! Hindsight is 20/20, and while I can’t go back and tell myself these tips, I can tell you!

1. People Aren’t  Scary

I’m super shy. True story ( I see you laughing in the back, cut that out!). I find it absolutely, shakin’ in my size five shoes terrifying to walk up to people I don’t know and say hi.

You’re…

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